Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are entering as a mixed double pair at the US Open as it brings back controversial format.
According to BBC, Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka are set to play together in the upcoming US Open mixed doubles, which was controversially revamped last year to include superstar pairings.
The 39-year-old Serbian and 28-year-old Belarusian Sabalenka are set to join forces for the two-day event, which starts on 25 August in New York.
Former British number one Jack Draper is planning to reunite with American Jessica Pegula after they made the 2025 semi-finals, while Poland's Iga Swiatek and Norway's Casper Ruud, last year's runners-up, will also team up again.
Other notable names who have indicated they want to play together include Japan's Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, American star Taylor Fritz and two-time major champion Elena Rybakina, plus Russian pair Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.
The controversial mixed doubles format
Last year saw some of tennis’ biggest names compete in the tournament, with the new format proving a major success. It was the perfect warm-up before the main draw action got underway at Flushing Meadows, and it’s back for yet another instalment this year, Express UK reported.
Last year’s event was won by Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, with the two set to return in a bid to defend their crown this time around.
A further eight teams are expected to be added to the line-up via wildcards, meaning there is still a chance Carlos Alcaraz, who is recovering from injury, could feature.
The all-conquering Spaniard has been absent since mid-April and was forced to miss the French Open, as well as Wimbledon.
There has been hope that Alcaraz will be back in time to compete at the US Open, however, with time ticking before the final Slam of the year gets underway, there are still questions surrounding his participation.
