Monfils, Svitolina reach US Open mixed doubles semis

The revamped mixed doubles tournament at the 2026 US Open delivered immediate shocks on Tuesday, August 25, as several high-profile pairings featuring Grand Slam champions were eliminated in the first round. The new format, designed to attract top singles stars, produced a day of unpredictable results at Flushing Meadows.

Among the most notable early exits was the team of 23-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and two-time defending US Open women's champion Aryna Sabalenka. The top-seeded pair was defeated by Czechia's Katerina Siniakova and Britain's Henry Patten. Siniakova sealed the victory with an ace while serving to Djokovic. The loss was not considered a major upset, as Siniakova and Patten are established doubles specialists.

Another marquee team, featuring 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams and two-time US Open men's champion Carlos Alcaraz, also fell in the second round. After winning their opening match, they were beaten 5-4, 4-1 by Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. Williams, 44, was competing at the US Open for the first time since 2022. "It's always such an amazing place to be here," she said after her first match. "I never expected to be back...