New Delhi, July 30 -- NEW YORK - Three weeks after his Wimbledon campaign ended in a straight-sets semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic found a way to make the U.S. Open story partly his again. He accepted a partnership.

On Monday, the United States Tennis Association announced the initial entry list for the second edition of its revamped mixed doubles championship, and the pairing that tops it belongs to two of the sport's most decorated names. Djokovic, 39 and carrying 24 Grand Slam titles, will partner with Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and two-time defending U.S. Open women's champion, in a team that leads all 16 entered pairs in combined singles rankings. The announcement, confirmed by NBC Sports, establishes a collabo...