A Revamped Event With Serious Star Quality
The 2026 US Open mixed doubles draw is out, and the bracket is loaded with some of the biggest names in the sport. Building on the revamped format introduced at the 2025 edition, this year's tournament at Flushing Meadows again features 16 teams across two days during what organizers call "Fan Week," running August 25 and 26. The winning pair will take home a cool one million dollars, matching the prize from last year's inaugural revamped edition.
Of the 16 teams, six earn entry based on their combined singles rankings, eight receive wildcards, and two spots go to qualifying teams. The format uses Fast4 scoring in the early rounds (first to four games, with a tiebreak at 4-4 and no-advantage scoring) before switching to a more traditional structure in the final.
Marquee First-Round Showdowns to Watch
Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic open against the wildcard pairing of Frances Tiafoe and Leylah Fernandez, a matchup that promises plenty of crowd energy. Meanwhile, the second-seeded team of Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz faces Diana Shnaider and Casper Ruud in what shapes up as a competitive opener.
Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams, entering as wildcards, will meet a team coming through the qualifying draw, which is reportedly stacked with seasoned doubles specialists. Philippine star Alex Eala teams up with Felix Auger-Aliassime to face the crowd-pleasing wildcard duo of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.
Other notable first-round pairings include Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul against third-seeded Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien, plus Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev against Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. TennisDraw users have already been buzzing over the Sabalenka and Djokovic pairing as an early favorite to go deep in the bracket.
