Aryna Sabalenka has finally confirmed one of the most talked-about pairings ahead of the US Open 2026, and the World No. 1 had a hilarious explanation for how her mixed-doubles partnership with Novak Djokovic came together. Asked after her Cincinnati Open win over Talia Gibson whether the rumours of a Sabalenka-Djokovic team were true, the Belarusian revealed that the 24-time Grand Slam champion had been “begging” her to play with him. She then agreed to help the tennis legend and joked that the pair would try to have fun while chasing the title.
Keeping the cheeky dig aside, Sabalenka also admitted that she is “super excited” about teaming up with the legend in New York. The revamped US Open mixed-doubles event will take place from August 24 to 26, before the singles main draw begins on August 30. Sabalenka and Djokovic headline a star-studded field that also includes combinations such as Iga Swiatek-Casper Ruud and Elena Rybakina-Taylor Fritz.
Novak Djokovic-Aryna Sabalenka’s Mixed Doubles Bond
The partnership already appears to have a clear objective: win the US Open mixed-doubles title. Sabalenka previously said playing with Djokovic would be fun but intense, while revealing that she has limited Grand Slam mixed-doubles experience.
Djokovic, meanwhile, will enter the event alongside one of the biggest names in women’s tennis as the new-look competition continues to attract singles stars.
Aryna Sabalenka spoke about playing mixed doubles with Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open after her win over Gibson in Cincinnati
“Are the rumors true that there’s an Aryna Nole teaming up at the U.S. Open in mixed doubles? Who slid into whose DMs?” 😂
Aryna: “Well you know, he… pic.twitter.com/FhM0yxTkgt
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 16, 2026
Their pairing could also become one of the biggest attractions of the US Open Fan Week, with the mixed-doubles tournament scheduled before the singles action gets underway.
In her on-court interview after her second-round win at the Cincinnati Open, the 28-year-old was asked to confirm that she would team up with Djokovic at Flushing Meadows.
“Well, you know, he was begging me to play with him, and I said ‘you know what… of, course legend, I’ll help you out. And let’s try to have fun and go for the title’,” said the four-time Grand Slam champion.
“So, I guess it’s true. We are playing. It’s gonna be so much fun. I’m super excited.”
Aryna Sabalenka’s Form Ahead of US Open 2026
Sabalenka’s mixed-doubles excitement comes as she works to sharpen her singles game ahead of her US Open title defence. The World No. 1 suffered a hard-fought fourth-round defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Toronto Open, losing 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 after nearly two and a half hours.
She responded in Cincinnati by beating Talia Gibson in the second round, although she needed six match points to close out the victory. Sabalenka will now look to build momentum in Ohio before turning her full attention to New York.
