Djokovic teams up with Sabalenka for revamped US Open mixed doubles

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic will partner with Aryna Sabalenka as top tennis stars headline the initial list of 16 teams which have entered this year's revamped US Open mixed doubles championship. The event, which offers a $1 million prize to the winning pair, has once again attracted many of the biggest names in singles tennis after its successful relaunch last year.Among the notable entries are Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, last year's runners-up, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori, and Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have also entered, although they are likely to require a wild card again because of their lower singles rankings.How the tournament will workThe main draw will take place over two days, August 25-26, with all matches scheduled at Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium. Six teams with the best combined singles rankings after entries close on August 17 will qualify automatically, while eight teams will receive wild cards and two more will earn their places through a qualifying event on August 24.The revamped format, introduced last year, drew criticism for favouring singles players over doubles specialists. However, it proved popular with fans, attracting around 78,000 spectators and sell-out crowds on both days.USTA backs revamped formatUSTA CEO Craig Tiley believes the event has added a fresh dimension to the Grand Slam."Any time you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best. This is exactly what the mixed doubles championship does," he said."The mixed doubles championship is an innovation that will engage new audiences and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together."The qualifying tournament has also created more opportunities for doubles specialists this year. Matches up to the semifinals will be played in a shortened best-of-three format, while the final will follow traditional scoring with full six-game sets.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.