Overview
- The U.S. Tennis Association released the first 16-team entry list Monday, led by Aryna Sabalenka paired with Novak Djokovic, and left the entry window open through Aug. 17.
- The event keeps the reimagined timing and scoring that proved commercially popular in 2025, with shortened best-of-three sets to four games through the semifinals and a traditional six-game-set final.
- Main-draw access will be decided by combined singles ranking for six teams, eight USTA wildcards, and two spots from an eight-team qualifying event scheduled for Aug. 24.
- Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are entered but will likely need a wildcard because of low singles rankings, while several big names including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and the Williams sisters are not yet listed.
- Organizers added qualifying this year to improve access for doubles specialists even as the format keeps aiming to maximize TV exposure and ticket sales with matches on Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong Stadiums and coverage on ESPN.