Novak Djokovic will team up with Aryna Sabalenka to play mixed doubles at the US Open next month.

The mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows was revamped last year, featuring a shorter scoring format, increased prize money, and an earlier slot in the tournament schedule.

Those changes – which were seen as highly controversial – were intended to make the event more attractive for the top players in the singles game, though doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori beat Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final.

Swiatek and Ruud will pair up again this year, though the most high-profile partnership will be between Djokovic and Sabalenka.

Should the 24-time grand slam champion and the WTA's top-ranked player go all the way, they would play the mixed doubles semi-final and final on August 26, with the singles draws not beginning until August 30.

"Any time you can bring men and women together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best," said Craig Tiley, chief executive of the US Tennis Association (USTA).

"We are proud to again bring the world's top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans.

"The mixed doubles championship is an innovation that will engage new audiences and give our fans another opportunity to see the biggest stars compete together."

Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams and her sister Venus have all been included on the singles entry lists but are yet to be confirmed for the mixed doubles.

Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori had previously indicated they could play together, as had Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, and Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.