US Open 2026: star-studded mixed doubles in New York
The US Open 2026 adds a high-profile mixed doubles event in New York, featuring Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, plus other top pairings. The tournament runs Aug 24–26 with a $1 million prize and a two-day format.
Key takeaways
- Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz headline the 2026 US Open mixed doubles field.
- The event in New York uses a revamped, two-day format with a $1 million prize for the champions.
- Broadcast coverage in the U.S. is on ESPN/ESPN2, with streaming via ESPN app and fubo during Fan Week.
What Happened
The US Open’s mixed doubles event for 2026 features a marquee field headlined by Serena Williams paired with Carlos Alcaraz, alongside Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic on another pairing. The tournament is hosted in New York, operating as part of the Flushing Meadows schedule and serving as a curtain-raiser to the broader singles draws. Coverage details indicate availability on U.S. television via ESPN and ESPN2, with streaming options through the ESPN app and fubo. The event shifts to a shorter, two-day format with the main draw scheduled during Fan Week. The championship is set to run over August 24 to August 26, culminating in a final in late August. The schedule notes that qualifying for mixed doubles begins August 24, with the first and second rounds taking place on August 25, and the semifinals and final slated for August 26.
Why It Matters
Organizers have retooled the event to attract star power and audience interest by pairing well-known players in a high-profile mixed doubles draw. The revamped format and a reported prize pool of $1 million for the champions are designed to raise the event’s visibility during Fan Week and broaden its appeal beyond traditional doubles fans. The combination of legacy players and current stars underscores the tournament’s effort to weave entertainment value with competitive tennis at Flushing Meadows.
Background
This edition follows a revamp of the US Open mixed doubles format, which now features a 16-team field and a two-day schedule designed to accelerate play. The lineup includes high-profile pairings such as Williams–Alcaraz and Sabalenka–Djokovic, signaling an emphasis on celebrity appeal alongside competitive depth. The event is positioned as a lead-in to the main singles competitions, which begin later in the tournament window.
Key Facts
- Location: New York, at Flushing Meadows.
- Top pairings: Serena Williams with Carlos Alcaraz; Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic.
- Format: revamped mixed doubles with 16 teams and a two-day schedule.
- Prize money: $1 million for the champions.
- Dates: August 24–26, with qualifying on Aug 24 and main draw action Aug 25–26;
- Broadcast: ESPN and ESPN2 in the U.S.; streaming via ESPN app and fubo.
What Happens Next
Officials have scheduled the remaining rounds of the mixed doubles event within the broader US Open timetable. As the two-day format advances, teams will contest the quarterfinals and semifinals ahead of the final, all within the August 25–26 window. Viewers can follow live coverage on ESPN networks or via streaming platforms tied to the network, depending on local availability and subscription options.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
