Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, and world number one Aryna Sabalenka headline the revamped field for the US Open mixed doubles. They will be joined on the New York courts by names such as Iga Świątek, Casper Ruud, Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori. The tournament runs from 24 to 26 August, a calculated move by organisers to pull in the sport's biggest draws. This is a revolution.
Last year's debut delivered, bringing the commercial success organisers had banked on, though not without criticism. Doubles specialists argue that putting the singles stars first works against their interests. Just 16 pairs will contest the main draw: the top six enter on ranking, while the rest get in through wild-card invitations and a new qualifying round. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, meanwhile, will have to see off some of the game's true giants to hold on to their title.
