National · 13 updates
Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic headline the initial 16 teams entered for the revamped US Open mixed doubles championship, which offers a $1 million prize. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori return, while Iga Swiatek, Casper Ruud and Naomi Osaka are also among the entries. The main draw will be played on August 25
Novak Djokovic’s first-round US Open defeat to Mariano Navone ended his streak of 78 consecutive opening-round Grand Slam wins, his first such loss since the 2006 Australian Open. The four-hour, 36-minute battle was also his longest first-round major match. Despite the defeat, Djokovic made his 20th US Open appearance, joining Connors, Agassi and Lopez in an elite group.
The defending champion rejected the suggestion that her off-court appearances had affected her preparation.
Aryna Sabalenka complained about cannabis smoke during her US Open match. Kamilla Rakhimova was defeated by Sabalenka in straight sets. Casper Ruud previously mentioned the pervasive smell of marijuana in New York. Carlos Alcaraz adjusted his playing attire due to wardrobe concerns. The Williams sisters experienced a doubles match defeat after a significant lead.
Sabalenka was leading 5-4 in the third set when Noskova stepped up to serve. At that point, most of the court was still in sunlight. By the time Noskova played her first point, the shadow had moved close to the middle of the court. After she won that point, almost the entire court was in shade when the next point started.
Ben Shelton made headlines with a blistering 158 mph serve that propelled him to victory in the US Open semifinals, defeating Frances Tiafoe in four competitive sets. This achievement marks Shelton's debut in a Grand Slam final, where he will face Alexander Zverev. As the match approaches, the nation holds its breath, hoping to celebrate a men's Grand Slam champion for the first time since 2003.
Sabalenka was denied a third consecutive US Open title as Rybakina won 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Rybakina had already secured the No. 1 ranking before the final, meaning Sabalenka’s 99-week run at the top will end on Monday.
Aryna Sabalenka endured a painful end to her US Open campaign, losing both the world No. 1 ranking and the title within 72 hours. Elena Rybakina first secured the top ranking before defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final. The loss left Sabalenka without a Grand Slam title in 2026, ending her bid for a third straight US Open crown. Despite the setback, she remained determined to reclaim No. 1.