US Open 2026: Prize Money Increase Attracts Star Players to Mixed Doubles

Mixed doubles has historically been viewed as a secondary event in the tennis world, often overshadowed by the men’s and women’s singles competitions. Traditionally scheduled for the third week of the US Open, this format limited the participation of top-ranked players due to overlapping commitments. However, in 2025, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) introduced a pivotal scheduling change aimed at boosting interest in mixed doubles.

The USTA shifted the mixed doubles to the final full week of August, coinciding with Fan Week—a period in which qualifying matches occur, allowing fans free access to the grounds. This move not only made it easier for top players to compete but also included a substantial incentive in the form of a $1 million prize for the winning team.

The changes proved to be a resounding success. According to the USTA, 78,000 fans attended the event, culminating in sold-out nights at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has a capacity of almost 24,000. This surge in attendance facilitated significant increases in revenue from concessions and merchandise. Additionally, the tournament’s app and website garnered over two million visitors, while the US Open’s YouTube channel achieved a record 12.8 million views in a single day.

Brendan McIntyre, USTA’s head of communications and content, remarked, “We wanted to take the US Open mixed doubles championship and give it the spotlight it deserved. The players also embraced it, and the star power in the field was evidence of that.”

To facilitate a more fan-friendly experience and ease the physical demands on players, the mixed doubles matches now employ a condensed format. They are played as best-of-three sets with no-ad scoring, including tiebreaks at four games all, and a 10-point tiebreak in place of a third set.

The 2026 edition of the tournament, which kicks off with qualifiers on Monday followed by main draw matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, includes seven of the top ten women on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour and six of the top ten men on the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) tour. Initially, concerns arose regarding potential boycotts by high-profile players due to inadequate prize money. However, the USTA has since addressed these worries by announcing a year-on-year increase of 20%, raising the total prize pool to $108 million.

The mixed doubles bracket is expected to feature star-studded pairings, including seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz teaming up with Serena Williams, who has won 23 Grand Slam titles. The announcement created a buzz as many anticipated their dynamic on the court.

Additionally, Aryna Sabalenka is set to partner with Novak Djokovic, the defending US Open singles champion, marking his debut in mixed doubles. Other notable pairings include Jessica Pegula with Taylor Fritz, Amanda Anisimova with Learner Tien, and the returning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

The matches will be broadcast in full by ESPN and various international rights holders. Fans can access qualifying rounds and the first rounds for free through a fan access pass. Tickets for later rounds at Arthur Ashe start from $30, although prices have surged, with entry for Tuesday currently exceeding $76 and $166 for Wednesday on the GameTime app.

McIntyre expressed the USTA's commitment to enhancing the sport's visibility, stating, “Our goal is to elevate our sport and to give as many fans as possible the opportunity to experience the excitement.”

This year’s tournament promises to deliver an engaging atmosphere, with both fans and players eagerly anticipating the action ahead.