TENNIS: Sabalenka, Djokovic headline US Open mixed doubles lineup

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic headline the initial entry list for this year’s U.S. Open mixed doubles championship, organizers said Monday, as the revamped event returns for a second edition.

Six-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, world No. 2 Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, as well as defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, are among the high-profile pairings entered in the competition.

The mixed doubles championship will again be held during the week before the singles main draw, from Aug. 24-26, after organizers revamped the format last year to attract more top singles players by reducing the field size and creating a standalone spot on the calendar.

The entry period closes on Aug. 17, after which the top six teams based on their combined singles rankings will qualify directly for the 16-team main draw. Eight teams will receive wildcards, while the remaining two spots will be determined through an eight-team qualifying draw introduced this year.

The redesigned format was a commercial success in its debut last year, with sellout crowds and participation from many of the sport’s top singles players. However, some doubles specialists criticized the changes, saying they sidelined established doubles teams. Errani and Vavassori went on to defend their title by defeating Swiatek and Ruud in the final.

-Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City/Reuters