Aryna Sabalenka has joked that Novak Djokovic was “begging” her to play with him as she commented on the pair’s 2026 US Open partnership.

WTA world No 1 Sabalenka will join forces with 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 US Open.

Starting with the 2025 edition, the mixed doubles tournament at the US Open was reimagined to include a host of singles stars.

The 2026 US Open mixed doubles event will be staged between Monday 24 August and Wednesday 26 August, before main draw singles action begins on Sunday 30 August.

In her on-court interview after her second round win at the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka was asked if she could confirm that she will 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 major winner.

“So, I guess it’s true. We are playing. It’s gonna be so much fun. I’m super excited.”

More Tennis News

Want more from Tennis365? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for tennis coverage you can trust.

Sabalenka also looked ahead to the US Open mixed doubles during a press conference at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto earlier this month.

“I hope everyone’s going to be healthy this time. And I’m pretty excited. I think it’s going be fun,” the Belarusian said.

“And playing with Novak is always fun. And mixed doubles, I played it once in my life, I mean, on the Grand Slams.

“And we are going full. You know, we’re chasing the only title. That’s our goal, I believe. So, it’s going to be fun and intense, I believe.”

2026 US Open mixed doubles entries

- Novak Djokovic & Aryna Sabalenka

- Casper Ruud & Iga Swiatek

- Jack Draper & Jessica Pegula

- Leylah Fernandez & Frances Tiafoe

- Peyton Stearns & Preston Stearns

- Taylor Townsend & Alexander Zverev

- Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz

- Belinda Bencic & Flavio Cobolli

- Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori

- Alexandra Eala & Felix Auger-Aliassime