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Djokovic, Sabalenka Team Up for US Open Mixed Doubles

7/28/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will team up in the US Open mixed doubles beginning 25 August 2026.
The event offers $1.43 million in prize money and has dangled up to $715,000 to attract top players.
Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud, Jack Draper/Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka/Kei Nishikori and Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz entered the draw.
Sabalenka said in May a boycott or strike may become inevitable without a larger Grand Slam revenue share.

History

Historical Context

After the ATP’s 1972 formation, its first test came in 1973 when 81 players, led by Stan Smith, boycotted Wimbledon to protest Nikola Pilic’s suspension, reducing the men’s champion’s purse to £5,000 of a £52,400 total. That clash over revenue set a precedent that echoes in the 2026 US Open mixed-doubles, where multi-million prize pools now reward players.

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Story summary

Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka will team up in the US Open mixed doubles beginning 25 August 2026.
The event offers $1.43 million in prize money and has dangled up to $715,000 to attract top players.
Iga Swiatek/Casper Ruud, Jack Draper/Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka/Kei Nishikori and Elena Rybakina/Taylor Fritz entered the draw.
Sabalenka said in May a boycott or strike may become inevitable without a larger Grand Slam revenue share.

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