Aryna Sabalenka's mixed-doubles buzz adds another layer to a busy summer
SportLocation Tennis Desk · 13 Aug 2026
Aryna Sabalenka has been in the tennis conversation for more than one reason this summer, with reporting linking her to a mixed-doubles partnership at the US Open and another result in Toronto. The strongest angle is the growing interest around how the world's top players are shaping the revamped mixed-doubles picture.
Aryna Sabalenka is back in the spotlight for more than one reason, with fresh reporting linking her to mixed doubles at the US Open while she continues to feature prominently in the women's draw. That combination matters because it underlines how the sport's biggest names are increasingly central to both singles and the event's evolving doubles storyline.
According to Sky Sports, Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic have teamed up for mixed doubles at the US Open, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner not yet involved. It is a notable pairing because it brings two of the game's most recognisable figures into a format that can draw extra attention when the main draw storylines are already crowded.
The interest around Sabalenka is not limited to the doubles angle. Tennis World USA reported that she also spoke about whether she prefers Alcaraz or Sinner, a reminder of how often her name sits at the centre of the sport's biggest talking points. For a player of her profile, even off-court discussion feeds into the wider tournament narrative.
There is also competitive momentum behind the headlines. A separate report said Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the WTA Toronto Masters after defeating Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-4. That result adds context to why she remains such a focal point: she is not only part of the conversation, she is still producing results that keep her there.
The practice setting visible here fits that wider picture neatly, with Sabalenka working on an outdoor hard court in a calm training environment. Green and blue court colours and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden text in the background place the scene in a familiar elite setting, while other players beyond the fence suggest a busy tournament or training complex.
Taken together, the reports show Sabalenka occupying a rare space where form, personality and event appeal all overlap. Whether it is singles progress, mixed-doubles intrigue or simple curiosity about her views on the men's game, she remains one of the names most likely to shape the conversation whenever a major event builds towards its biggest stages.
Sources & further reading
Aryna Sabalenka reveals whether she prefers Alcaraz or Sinner