Aryna Sabalenka reveals how Grigor Dimitrov was ‘begging’ for US Open partnership
Aryna Sabalenka has joked that ATP Tour star Grigor Dimitrov was “begging” her to play in the US Open mixed doubles event before ultimately agreeing to partner with the Bulgarian.
WTA world No 1 Sabalenka will pair up with ATP world No 19 Dimitrov at the revamped mixed doubles competition at Flushing Meadows this August.
The new format will see the mixed event held before the start of the singles main draw, and features some of the biggest names in the sport.
Among the marquee pairings are Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe.
Nine of the current WTA top-10 are set to be in action, with world No 2 Coco Gauff currently the only player not entered.
However, it took some persuading for three-time Grand Slam singles champion Sabalenka to sign up.
Speaking at the Berlin Open, the Belarusian admitted she was unaware of the change to the format before ultimately agreeing to play with Dimitrov.
“He was just like texting me non-stop,” joked Sabalenka.
“He was begging me to play, and I was like, ‘Man, I don’t want to play.’ But he was begging and I was like: ‘Ok, you got it,’
“He messaged me, and I didn’t really know about the mixed doubles situation at the US Open.
“I was like: ‘What are you talking about? Why would we play mixed doubles?’ And he was explaining to me how it was before the US Open.
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“So I was like, ‘But nobody approached me, so I don’t know if I am invited.’ So we figured, and yeah, we decided probably straight after the Australian Open.”
The revamped mixed doubles event in New York hands Sabalenka the chance to complete a sweep of titles at the US Open.
Sabalenka memorably triumphed in the women’s singles event at the tournament in 2024, beating Jessica Pegula in the final after tasting defeat in the 2023 final to Gauff.
However, the Belarusian also lifted the women’s doubles title at the tournament in 2019, partnering with Elise Mertens to beat Ashleigh Barty and Victoria Azarenka in the final.
Sabalenka was a world No 1 in doubles and also lifted the 2021 Australian Open title alongside Mertens, though she has not played a doubles major since then.
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