Tennis legend Novak Djokovic will team up with Aryna Sabalenko for an improved mixed doubles match at the US Open

Novak Djokovic tied with Aryna Sabalenkova (Photo: Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic will partner Aryna Sabalenkova as the main tennis stars in the initial list of 16 teams entering this year’s revamped US Open mixed doubles championship. The event, which offers a $1 million prize to the winning pair, has once again attracted many of the biggest names in singles tennis after its successful reopening last year.Notable entries include Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, last year’s runners-up, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, and Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have also entered, though they will likely require a wild card again due to their lower singles ranking.

How the tournament will go

The main draw will take place over two days, August 25-26, with all matches scheduled at the Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums. The six teams with the best combined singles ranking after the entry deadline on August 17 will automatically qualify, while eight teams will receive wild cards and two more will earn their spots through a qualifying race on August 24.The revamped format, introduced last year, drew criticism for favoring singles players over doubles specialists. However, the fans loved it, attracting around 78,000 spectators over both days and sell-out crowds.

The USTA supports the redesigned format

USTA CEO Craig Tiley believes the event has added a new dimension to the Grand Slam.“Anytime you can put women and men together on one team, you showcase tennis at its best. That’s exactly what the mixed doubles championships do,” he said.“The Mixed Doubles Championship is an innovation that will engage a new audience and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together.”The qualifying tournament also created more opportunities for doubles specialists this year. The matches up to the semi-finals will be played in an abbreviated best-of-3 format, while the finals will follow traditional scoring with full six-match sets.