The US Open is back at Flushing Meadows, running from August 30 to September 13, 2026, and this year’s edition is loaded with storylines. From a revamped mixed doubles event featuring some of the sport’s biggest singles stars to a stunning comeback from Serena Williams, the 2026 US Open has already given fans plenty to talk about before the singles trophies are even decided.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the teams, the players, and everything else you need to know.
US Open Teams
Ahead of the singles main draw, the US Open hosted its now-signature mixed doubles championship, and the entry list read like an all-star roster. Marquee pairings such as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud headlined a 16-team field built around combined singles rankings, with several more teams earning their spots through wild cards.
The wild-card pairings generated some of the loudest buzz of the week. Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz teamed up in a headline-grabbing debut, while Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul gave American fans a homegrown pair to root for. Two-time defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori returned to defend their crown, and Belinda Bencic paired with Flavio Cobolli as one of the tournament’s most consistent doubles combinations all season.
When the dust settled, it was Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik who lifted the trophy, beating Bencic and Cobolli in a tight three-set final. Andreeva and Rublev pulled off the tournament’s biggest upset by knocking out defending champions Errani and Vavassori in the very first round, though their own run ended before the final.
| Team | Notable Result |
| Aryna Sabalenka & Novak Djokovic | Entered as marquee headliners |
| Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz | Later reshuffled due to partner changes |
| Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud | 2025 runners-up, entered again |
| Mirra Andreeva & Andrey Rublev | Upset defending champions in R1 |
| Serena Williams & Carlos Alcaraz (Wild Card) | Fan-favorite comeback pairing |
| Emma Navarro & Tommy Paul (Wild Card) | All-American entry |
| Belinda Bencic & Flavio Cobolli | Runners-up |
| Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori | Two-time defending champions, lost R1 |
Aryna Sabalenka & Novak Djokovic
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic were the most-watched pairing on the entire mixed doubles entry list, joining the world No. 1 with a 24-time Grand Slam champion. On paper, it was the marquee matchup of the whole event, and the duo entered as the top seeds in the 16-team field.
Their run through New York, however, ended earlier than expected. Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by knocking out the top-seeded US Open pairing, proving that star power alone doesn’t guarantee deep runs in a short, high-pressure format.
Even with the early exit, the Sabalenka-Djokovic pairing achieved exactly what organizers hoped for: it pulled two of the sport’s biggest singles stars into the doubles spotlight and gave the mixed doubles championship a level of attention it hasn’t always had at the US Open.
Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz
Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz were among the first big names announced for the 2026 mixed doubles field, pairing a powerful Wimbledon champion with one of America’s top singles players. The combination looked like a natural fit given both players’ aggressive, serve-driven styles.
As the entry list evolved closer to the tournament, though, the pairing didn’t make it to the court together. Fritz’s confirmed main-draw partner ultimately became Jessica Pegula, one of several late reshuffles that reshaped the mixed doubles field in the weeks before play began.
These kinds of last-minute swaps aren’t unusual in the modern US Open mixed doubles event, since players are still competing in other tournaments right up until entries close, and scheduling conflicts or injuries can force quick changes to who ends up on court together.
Iga Swiatek & Casper Ruud
Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud entered the 2026 mixed doubles championship as the highest-profile returning pair, having finished as runners-up the previous year. Their combination of clean ball-striking and Grand Slam pedigree made them one of the favorites heading into the tournament.
As with a few other star pairings, plans shifted before the main draw got underway. Swiatek ultimately withdrew from the event, and Ruud’s confirmed partner for the championship became Diana Shnaider, another reminder of how fluid the mixed doubles entry list can be in the run-up to the US Open.
Even without playing together this time, the Swiatek-Ruud pairing from the previous year had already helped prove the format’s appeal, showing that top singles stars are willing to lend their name and time to the event even with a packed Grand Slam schedule ahead of them.
Mirra Andreeva & Andrey Rublev
Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev quietly became one of the standout stories of the 2026 mixed doubles championship. Despite not being one of the headline seeded pairings, the duo showed real chemistry on court from their very first match.
Their signature moment came in the first round, where they pulled off a tight upset over two-time defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. From there, Andreeva and Rublev kept winning, advancing all the way to the semifinals of the event.
The pairing also generated plenty of off-court buzz, with Andreeva later revealing a playful crush on her partner after their run. It was exactly the kind of storyline the US Open hoped its revamped mixed doubles format would create.
Serena Williams & Carlos Alcaraz (Wild Card)
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz were, without question, the most talked-about wild card pairing at the 2026 US Open. Combining for 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them, the duo brought a level of star power that instantly sold out sessions and dominated headlines during Fan Week.
Their debut lived up to the hype. Williams and Alcaraz opened with a first-round win over Erin Routliffe and her partner, closing out the match by winning eight of the last nine games in front of an electric Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The run eventually came to an end in the quarterfinals, but the pairing had already accomplished its real purpose: giving Serena Williams an emotional, high-profile moment back on a Grand Slam stage and reminding fans why the US Open wanted stars like Alcaraz taking mixed doubles seriously.
Emma Navarro & Tommy Paul (Wild Card)
Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul gave American fans a homegrown pairing to rally behind in the 2026 mixed doubles wild card field. Both players have built solid singles resumes on tour, and their all-American combination added a local flavor to a draw otherwise dominated by global superstars.
As a wild card entry, the duo didn’t carry the same seeding or expectations as the top pairings, but that’s often what makes these matchups fun to watch two established singles players adjusting to the faster rhythms and net play the doubles format demands.
Pairings like Navarro and Paul are a big part of why the US Open revamped its mixed doubles event in the first place: giving fans a reason to watch familiar national favorites team up in a format they don’t normally get to see them play.
Belinda Bencic & Flavio Cobolli
Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli were one of the most consistent teams throughout the 2026 mixed doubles championship, entering as the No. 4 seeds and backing up that ranking with steady performances round after round. Their complementary styles made them a tricky matchup for opponents all week.
The pairing kept winning right through the semifinals and into the championship match, ultimately reaching the final of the event. It was a strong showing that reflected the depth both players have shown across their singles careers in 2026.
Bencic and Cobolli ultimately fell just short, losing a tight three-set final to Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik. Still, a runner-up finish at the US Open mixed doubles is a notable result and a sign of how seriously both players took the event.
Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori arrived at the 2026 US Open as the two-time defending mixed doubles champions, having won the title in both 2024 and 2025. As an established all-Italian pairing built specifically around doubles strategy, they were widely expected to be strong contenders for a third straight crown.
Their title defense, however, ended almost as soon as it began. Errani and Vavassori were upset in the very first round by Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev, one of the biggest shocks of the entire mixed doubles championship.
The early exit opened the door for a new champion and underscored just how competitive the revamped mixed doubles format has become, with even proven, specialist pairings no longer guaranteed a deep run at the US Open.
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Serena Williams
Serena Williams’ return to Flushing Meadows has been one of the defining stories of the 2026 US Open. The 44-year-old, who hadn’t played a professional match since the 2022 US Open, came back to the tour earlier this year and quickly found her way back into the Grand Slam spotlight through doubles.
Her mixed doubles pairing with Carlos Alcaraz drew huge crowds and plenty of media attention, with the duo combining for 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them. Serena also picked up a women’s doubles wild card alongside her sister Venus, reuniting a partnership that has already won the US Open twice, in 1999 and 2009.
Her comeback hasn’t been without setbacks. A knee injury suffered during a first-round singles loss at Wimbledon forced her to withdraw from that event’s doubles draw, but she recovered in time to make her presence felt in New York, proving her competitive fire is still very much intact.
Maya Joint
Maya Joint may not carry the name recognition of a Williams or a Djokovic, but the 20-year-old Australian has quietly built one of the more interesting young careers on tour. Born in Michigan to an Australian father and German mother, she’s represented Australia in the Billie Jean King Cup while climbing as high as world No. 28 in singles.
Joint has reached the second round at the US Open in each of the last two years, and her all-court game has made her a tricky out for higher-ranked opponents. She’s also collected WTA Tour titles in both singles and doubles, showing a versatility that’s rare for a player still early in her career.
Joint’s name became especially prominent this season after she defeated Serena Williams in the first round at Wimbledon, a result that ended up shaping the rest of Serena’s summer. That win instantly raised her profile heading into the US Open, where fans are watching to see if she can build on the momentum.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic arrived at the 2026 US Open still chasing history, looking to add to his record 24 Grand Slam singles titles. At 39 years old and ranked in the world’s top five, he remains one of the most dangerous players in the draw despite a long, injury-filled career and a shaky run through the summer hard-court swing.
Djokovic added an extra layer to his New York campaign by teaming with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in mixed doubles, one of the most star-studded partnerships in the event’s revamped format. The pairing was seen as a way for him to sharpen his timing before the singles draw got underway.
In singles, Djokovic opened his tournament as the headliner of the very first night session, taking on unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It marked the first-ever professional meeting between the two, and the winner was set to face either Matteo Berrettini or former champion Stan Wawrinka next.
Mariano Navone
Mariano Navone’s name suddenly became familiar to casual tennis fans when the draw paired the Argentine clay-court specialist against Novak Djokovic in the first round of the 2026 US Open. Ranked just outside the world’s top 40, Navone has built his career largely on clay, making the switch to New York’s hard courts a significant challenge.
The 25-year-old from Nueve de Julio, Argentina, has one ATP Tour singles title to his name and reached his career-high ranking of No. 29 back in 2024. He previously made the second round at the US Open in 2024, showing he’s capable of finding form on hard courts when things click.
Facing Djokovic under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium was easily the biggest stage of Navone’s career so far. Regardless of the outcome, the opening-night matchup gave him a career-defining moment and introduced his game to a much wider audience.
US Open 2026 Players and Their Countries
Part of what makes the US Open such a compelling event is the sheer diversity of nations represented in the draw. This year’s singles fields include reigning champions, established stars, and rising Americans all competing for the same trophies.
Carlos Alcaraz heads into the tournament as the defending men’s champion representing Spain, while Aryna Sabalenka arrives as the women’s world No. 1 and two-time defending champion from Belarus. Novak Djokovic continues to fly the flag for Serbia, and players like Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev represent Germany and Russia respectively on the men’s side.
American tennis has a particularly strong presence this year, with Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Amanda Anisimova all flying the home flag in front of the New York crowds. Add in Iga Świątek of Poland and Naomi Osaka of Japan, and the 2026 US Open field is as globally represented as ever.
| Player | Country |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Spain (Defending men’s champion) |
| Aryna Sabalenka | Belarus (Women’s world No. 1, defending champion) |
| Novak Djokovic | Serbia |
| Alexander Zverev | Germany |
| Daniil Medvedev | Russia |
| Iga Świątek | Poland |
| Naomi Osaka | Japan |
| Coco Gauff | United States |
| Taylor Fritz | United States |
| Ben Shelton | United States |
| Amanda Anisimova | United States |
Alexander Zverev: Germany
Alexander Zverev remains one of Germany’s biggest tennis stars and one of the sport’s most consistent performers, even as the search for his first Grand Slam title continues. At the 2026 US Open, he arrives having spent years among the top of the rankings without breaking through at the biggest stages.
His most recent US Open ended earlier than hoped, with the No. 3 seed falling in the third round to Felix Auger-Aliassime in 2025. That result added to a growing narrative around Zverev: a genuine contender at every major, yet still searching for that elusive breakthrough.
Off the back of the singles disappointment, Zverev also kept busy in doubles, teaming with Taylor Townsend for the mixed doubles championship. For a player of his caliber, every appearance at the US Open carries added weight as he chases the one accomplishment still missing from his résumé.
Daniil Medvedev: Russia
Daniil Medvedev heads into the 2026 US Open with a title already on his résumé, having won the tournament back in 2021. His unorthodox, deep-court style has made him one of the toughest matchups on the tour, especially on the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Medvedev’s game is built around elite defense and counterpunching, wearing opponents down over long rallies rather than overpowering them outright. That style has translated into consistently strong results at the US Open, where the courts tend to reward his patient, grinding approach.
In the early rounds of the 2026 tournament, Medvedev opened his singles campaign against Hugo Gaston, continuing his run at the event where he’s already tasted Grand Slam glory. Fans following the draw closely will be watching to see if he can rediscover that 2021 form.
Iga Świątek: Poland
Iga Świątek arrives at the 2026 US Open as one of the most decorated players in the women’s draw, with multiple Grand Slam titles to her name, including a previous US Open crown. Her heavy topspin and relentless baseline game have made her a fixture at the top of the sport for years.
Świątek’s 2025 season included a landmark Wimbledon title, where she beat Amanda Anisimova in a lopsided final to complete her collection of major titles on every surface. That win cemented her status as one of the most complete players of her generation heading into New York.
Świątek was also on the mixed doubles entry list alongside Casper Ruud, though she ultimately withdrew from that event before it began. Her focus at the 2026 US Open remains squarely on defending and building her singles legacy.
Naomi Osaka: Japan
Naomi Osaka brings serious pedigree to the 2026 US Open, having won the tournament twice before, in 2018 and 2020. Her explosive serve and aggressive baseline game have made Flushing Meadows one of her most successful hunting grounds throughout her career.
As one of Japan’s biggest sports stars, Osaka’s presence at the US Open always draws significant attention, both for her singles results and for the broader story of her ongoing return to top form after a stretch of injuries and time away from the tour.
Osaka also entered the 2026 mixed doubles championship, pairing with fellow Japanese star Kei Nishikori. The all-Japanese team added another compelling storyline to a mixed doubles field already packed with recognizable names.
Coco Gauff: United States
Coco Gauff enters the 2026 US Open as one of American tennis’s biggest homegrown stars, having already claimed the singles title on this very court back in 2023. That breakthrough win turned her into one of the faces of the tournament and a fan favorite every time she steps onto Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Since that title, Gauff has remained a consistent threat at majors, combining elite movement and a fast-improving game with the kind of big-match composure that’s rare for a player still early in her prime. Her run to the New York crowd has become one of the tournament’s signature storylines each year.
As the host nation’s brightest young hope, Gauff carries extra expectations into every US Open, and her performances are watched as closely by casual fans as by die-hard tennis followers hoping to see American tennis produce another champion.
Taylor Fritz: United States
Taylor Fritz has quickly become one of the faces of American men’s tennis, and his history at the US Open backs that up. He reached the final in 2024, falling to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, a result that marked his first appearance in a Grand Slam championship match.
The following year, Fritz returned to Flushing Meadows as the defending finalist and the No. 4 seed, but his run ended in the fourth round with a loss to Novak Djokovic. Even with the earlier exit, his consistency across multiple majors has kept him firmly among the sport’s elite.
Fritz also stayed involved off the singles court in 2026, eventually confirming a mixed doubles partnership with Jessica Pegula after an earlier planned pairing with Elena Rybakina didn’t come together. His continued presence at the top makes him one of the American men to watch again this year.
Ben Shelton: United States
Ben Shelton has built a reputation as one of the most exciting young Americans on tour, powered by a massive left-handed serve and an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style that plays perfectly to the energy of the US Open crowds. His run to the semifinals in 2023 first put him on the map as a legitimate Grand Slam contender.
His 2025 tournament, though, ended on a tough note, as a shoulder injury forced him to retire during a third-round match against Adrian Mannarino. Injuries have been an ongoing challenge for the hard-hitting American as he continues developing his game at the highest level.
Even with the setback, Shelton remains one of the most talked-about American men in the sport, and his return to full health is one of the storylines fans will be tracking closely as the 2026 US Open unfolds.
Amanda Anisimova: United States
Amanda Anisimova’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster that ended with her firmly back among the sport’s elite, and she carries that momentum into the 2026 US Open. After a brutal 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon final, she rebounded to reach the US Open final that same year.
She ultimately fell to defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in that final, but the run pushed Anisimova to a career-high ranking of world No. 4, cementing her place among America’s new generation of Grand Slam contenders alongside players like Gauff and Pegula.
That resilience, bouncing back from one of the most lopsided losses in modern Grand Slam history to reach another major final within weeks, has made Anisimova one of the more compelling storylines heading into this year’s US Open.
US Open Results
Early results at the 2026 US Open have already delivered some memorable moments. The mixed doubles championship, held ahead of the main singles event, wrapped up with Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik claiming the title over Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, while defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori suffered a first-round exit to Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.
In the singles draws, opening night set the tone with Novak Djokovic’s first-round clash against Mariano Navone drawing a massive crowd to Arthur Ashe Stadium. As the tournament progresses, results from both the men’s and women’s singles brackets will shape the path toward the second week, where seeded players typically begin to separate themselves from the field.
Fans following the 2026 US Open results closely should expect plenty of upsets in the opening rounds, as unseeded and lower-ranked players often use the hard, fast Flushing Meadows courts to challenge bigger names early in the event.
US Open Schedule Today
The daily schedule at the US Open typically spreads matches across Arthur Ashe Stadium, Louis Armstrong Stadium, and a series of outer courts, with day sessions starting around 11 a.m. local time and night sessions kicking off in prime time. Marquee matchups are usually saved for Ashe Stadium under the lights.
Recent days have featured high-profile matchups such as Emma Navarro against Lois Boisson, Daniil Medvedev taking on Hugo Gaston, and Jessica Pegula facing Elena-Gabriela Ruse, giving fans a mix of rising talent and established names across the order of play. Schedules are typically confirmed the night before and can shift due to weather or match length.
For the most accurate, up-to-the-minute order of play, fans should check the official US Open website or app, since court assignments and start times are finalized closer to each day’s action and can change quickly once matches are underway.
US Open 2026 Tennis
The 2026 US Open carries extra intrigue thanks to a mix of aging legends chasing more history and a new generation looking to break through. Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title remains one of the sport’s biggest ongoing storylines, while defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka look to prove their 2025 wins weren’t a one-off.
This year’s tournament also leaned further into star power outside the singles draws, with the reimagined mixed doubles event pulling in some of tennis’s biggest names, including Serena Williams’ emotional return alongside Carlos Alcaraz. That format change, paired with a $1 million prize for the mixed doubles winners, has clearly succeeded in getting top players to participate.
Beyond the big names, American tennis continues to have a strong showing at its home Slam, with Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Amanda Anisimova all in the mix. Their performances will be closely watched as the US Open tries to produce its next homegrown champion.
US Open Tennis Schedule
The 2026 US Open runs across two full weeks, from August 30 through September 13, following the sport’s usual Grand Slam structure. The tournament typically opens with first-round matches spread across several days before narrowing down to the second week’s quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
This year’s calendar was preceded by the mixed doubles championship, held August 24–26 as part of Fan Week, a scheduling choice designed to build excitement before the singles main draw begins. That event has become a fixture of the modern US Open schedule since its overhaul in recent years.
As the tournament advances, the schedule compresses, with singles quarterfinals and semifinals typically played across the final week before the men’s and women’s finals close out the event on the second Saturday and Sunday. Fans planning to attend or watch specific rounds should check official listings, since exact dates for later rounds depend on how the draws play out.
US Open Tennis Winners
Recent US Open winners set a high bar heading into 2026. Carlos Alcaraz enters as the defending men’s singles champion, while Aryna Sabalenka arrives in New York as a two-time defending women’s singles champion looking to make it three in a row.
In doubles, the story is a bit different this year. Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori had won the mixed doubles title in both of the previous two editions before their surprising first-round exit in 2026, opening the door for a new champion. That door was filled by Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, who defeated Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the final to claim the title.
As the singles tournament unfolds, all eyes are on whether Alcaraz and Sabalenka can defend their crowns or whether a new generation of US Open winners will emerge. With Djokovic still chasing history and rising stars like Navone and Joint making noise, 2026 has all the makings of a memorable edition.
FAQ’s
When is the US Open 2026 being played?
The 2026 US Open runs from August 30 to September 13, with the singles main draws following a mixed doubles championship held August 24–26 during Fan Week.
Who is the defending US Open champion?
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain is the defending men’s singles champion, and Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is the two-time defending women’s singles champion heading into 2026.
Did Serena Williams play singles at the 2026 US Open?
No. Serena Williams entered on wild cards for mixed doubles (with Carlos Alcaraz) and women’s doubles (with sister Venus Williams), not the singles draw.
Who won the 2026 US Open mixed doubles title?
Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik won the title, beating Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the final after Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the two-time defending champions, were upset in the first round by Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.
Where can I check the live US Open schedule?
The official US Open website and app publish the confirmed order of play the night before each session, along with any court or time changes made once matches are underway.
How many Grand Slam titles is Novak Djokovic chasing at the 2026 US Open?
Djokovic is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, having already won 24 majors in his career.
Conclusion
The 2026 US Open has already delivered plenty of headlines before the singles finals are even decided, from Serena Williams’ emotional doubles comeback to a stacked mixed doubles field that handed the title to Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik. With Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka defending their crowns, Novak Djokovic chasing history, and rising names like Mariano Navone and Maya Joint pushing into the spotlight, this edition has no shortage of storylines.
As the tournament moves into its second week, all eyes will be on Flushing Meadows to see who walks away as the next US Open champion.
