The Williams duo, Serena and Venus, have secured a wildcard entry for the women's doubles competition at the Cincinnati Open, marking a notable comeback for the legendary pair. After a remarkable return to the sport during the grass‑court swing, Serena Williams—now 44—was forced to withdraw from the Wimbledon doubles event after a first‑round singles defeat that resulted in a knee injury. That setback also meant the sisters had to pull out of the doubles draw at the All England Club.
In the weeks that followed, Serena continued to test her form in the doubles arena, competing at the Queen's Club in London and later at the Berlin Open. However, neither of those appearances featured her sister Venus as a partner; instead, she paired with other players as she fine‑tuned her game ahead of Wimbledon. Venus, who celebrated her 46th birthday in June, also received a wildcard for the singles bracket in Cincinnati. She is eager to break her winless streak in 2026, having fallen in the opening round of each of the eight tournaments she entered this season.
While Venus’s singles results have been disappointing so far, she has found a bit more success on the doubles side. Out of the six doubles events she has contested this year, she has reached the final round twice, securing a title at each of those tournaments. Her most recent partners have been Britain’s Katie Boulter, with whom she played in Madrid, and rising talent Alexandra Eala, her teammate in Berlin. The tournament organizers also granted wildcard entries to other American players, including Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend, who will compete in the singles draw.
The Williams sisters are among the most accomplished doubles teams in tennis history. Together they have captured 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals, a testament to their chemistry and complementary styles. Their last joint appearance on a doubles court was at the 2022 US Open, and the upcoming Cincinnati Open will be the first occasion they team up at this event.
Beyond the Williams sisters, the Cincinnati Open promises a packed schedule of high‑stakes matches across both the ATP and WTA tours. Fans can look forward to watching emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike, with live coverage available through various platforms.
For those who prefer streaming, the tournament will be accessible without a contract via the NOW service, and Sky Sports subscribers can enjoy an expanded live sports offering that includes over 50 percent more content at no additional charge. The event also features a range of ancillary content, such as video highlights, match analyses, and player interviews, all accessible through the Sky Sports app. Viewers can stay up‑to‑date on scores, results, and upcoming fixtures, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds around how Serena and Venus will perform together after a period of limited joint play.
Their combined experience, powerful baseline strokes, and aggressive net play have historically made them a formidable force. Whether they can translate that legacy into a deep run in Cincinnati remains to be seen, but the very presence of the sisters adds a compelling narrative to an already exciting week of tennis. In addition to the doubles storyline, the singles field is stacked with talent.
Players such as Cameron Draper are set to make a return at the National Bank Open in Montreal, beginning on August 3, while the US Open is slated to commence on August 30, with live broadcasts available on Sky Sports and streaming options via NOW and the Sky Sports app. These platforms ensure that tennis enthusiasts can follow every twist and turn of the season, from the early summer hard‑court swing through to the final Grand Slam of the year. Overall, the Cincinnati Open offers a blend of veteran prowess and fresh energy, with the Williams sisters’ wildcard entry serving as a highlight for fans worldwide.
Their participation not only honors their storied partnership but also provides an opportunity for both sisters to showcase their resilience and passion for the game as they continue to write new chapters in their illustrious careers.