Serena and Venus Williams are slated to compete together at the Cincinnati Open after receiving a wild‑card entry for the women's doubles draw. This marks a notable moment for the legendary sisters, who have long been celebrated for their partnership on the court. After an extended hiatus of nearly four years from the professional circuit, Serena made a dramatic comeback during the grass‑court season.
Her return, however, was cut short when a knee injury forced her to retire from a first‑round singles match at Wimbledon. The injury also compelled the duo to withdraw from the women's doubles event at the All England Club, ending what could have been a memorable run for the sisters at the prestigious tournament. In the weeks leading up to Wimbledon, Serena participated in doubles competition at Queen's Club in London and later at the Berlin Open.
Although she partnered with other players in those events, the experience helped her regain match fitness and confidence ahead of the Grand Slam. Despite not sharing the court with Venus in those outings, the preparation was crucial for her return to top‑level tennis. Venus Williams, who celebrated her 46th birthday in June, has also secured a wild‑card for the singles draw in Cincinnati.
The veteran is eager to notch her first singles victory of the 2026 season, having fallen in the opening round of each of the eight tournaments she entered this year. A win in Cincinnati would not only break that streak but also underscore her enduring competitiveness on the WTA Tour. The Williams sisters have a storied doubles résumé: together they have captured 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals, a record that cements their status as one of the most successful pairings in tennis history. Their most recent joint appearance came at the 2022 US Open, and the Cincinnati Open will be the first occasion they team up for this particular event.
Venus has enjoyed modest success in doubles throughout 2026, winning two of the six tournaments she entered. Her recent partners have included Britain's Katie Boulter, with whom she played in Madrid, and the rising talent Alexandra Eala, her partner in Berlin. These collaborations have kept Venus active in the doubles circuit and have provided valuable match play as she prepares for the upcoming American swing. Other American players receiving singles wild‑cards for Cincinnati include Sloane Stephens and Taylor Townsend, adding further depth to the tournament's field.
The presence of multiple U.S. athletes highlights the event's importance as a lead‑up to the US Open. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments, video highlights, and expert analysis by following Sky Sports on WhatsApp. The network also offers a dedicated app for streaming live matches, news, and exclusive content, ensuring that viewers have access to comprehensive coverage of the tournament and beyond.
In addition to the Williams sisters' participation, the Cincinnati Open will feature a full slate of ATP and WTA action. Notably, Canadian star Jack Draper is set to return to competition at the National Bank Open in Montreal, beginning on August 3. The US Open, scheduled to commence on August 30, will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform, providing subscribers with extensive live sport coverage at no additional cost. Overall, the upcoming Cincinnati Open promises to deliver high‑quality tennis, with the added intrigue of Serena and Venus Williams reuniting on the doubles court.
Their partnership, enriched by decades of shared triumphs, offers fans a chance to witness history in the making while the sisters aim to add another chapter to their illustrious careers.