Serena Williams and rising star Carlos Alcaraz have confirmed their partnership for the mixed‑doubles event at the US Open, but the legendary American will not be entering the women’s singles draw. The duo received a wildcard entry, giving them a direct slot in the mixed‑doubles bracket and marking a highly anticipated reunion of two of tennis’ biggest names.
Williams, a 23‑time Grand Slam champion and six‑time US Open winner, is set to make her first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since the 2022 tournament, where she fell to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović in the third round. After a summer hiatus that saw her step away from the sport for a brief period, she is now back on the court, but her focus will be on the mixed‑doubles format rather than the grueling singles schedule. The mixed‑doubles title is not new territory for Serena; she previously captured the championship in 1998 alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi. That victory remains a memorable highlight of her diverse career, which has spanned singles dominance, doubles success with sister Venus, and occasional forays into mixed competition.
This year, however, she will be sharing the court with Alcaraz, the defending men’s singles champion who is also making his return after a wrist injury forced him out of competition from April onward. Alcaraz announced his intention to defend his US Open singles crown earlier this week, confirming that he has recovered sufficiently to compete at the highest level. His partnership with Williams adds an extra layer of excitement for fans, as the two athletes represent different generations and playing styles—Williams with her powerful baseline game and Alcaraz with his aggressive, all‑court approach. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded the final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, meaning Williams will not be placed in the singles field.
In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles champion Jamie Murray explained the situation: "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, and it's unclear whether she feels physically ready to tackle the singles draw again. She may prefer to limit her workload and focus on doubles, which is less taxing and still allows her to enjoy competition." Murray continued, "She will still play doubles with her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, and now she has this fun mixed‑doubles event with Carlos. I had expected to see her play more matches throughout the US Open Series after Wimbledon, but the plan has changed." In addition to the Williams‑Alcaraz pairing, the mixed‑doubles field features a host of notable combinations. World No.
1 Aryna Sabalenka will team up with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula joins forces with fellow American Taylor Fritz after their original partners withdrew. The draw also includes Iga Świątek paired with Casper Ruud, Belinda Bencic with Flavio Cobolli, and Amanda Anisimova with Learner Tien, among others. Wildcard entries add further intrigue. Among them are the Italian veteran Sara Errani paired with Andrea Vavassori, the young Filipino Alex Eala joining Felix Auger‑Aliassime, and the popular duo of Leylah Fernandez and Frances Tiafoe.
Taylor Townsend will partner with Alexander Zverev, and Elina Svitolina will team up with Gaël Monfils, creating a mix of seasoned pros and emerging talent. The mixed‑doubles main draw kicks off on Tuesday, with matches scheduled throughout the tournament week. Direct entrants also feature Katerina Siniakova with Henry Patten, Gabriela Dabrowski with Harri Heliövaara, Luisa Stefani with Neal Skupski, and several other pairings that promise competitive play.
Fans can follow the action via multiple platforms. The US Open is being streamed contract‑free on NOW, and Sky Sports provides live coverage of both ATP and WTA tours, including the mixed‑doubles matches. The Sky Sports app offers news updates, video highlights, and full‑screen replays, ensuring viewers have access to every rally and set point.
While Williams will not be contesting the women’s singles title, her presence in the mixed‑doubles event adds star power and a narrative of intergenerational collaboration. The partnership with Alcaraz not only showcases her enduring skill but also highlights the sport’s ability to bring together legends and rising stars in a shared competitive arena.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the court to see how the Williams‑Alcaraz team performs against seasoned mixed‑doubles specialists. Their matches promise a blend of powerful serves, strategic net play, and the excitement of seeing two of tennis’ most charismatic figures sharing the same side of the net.
Whether they capture the title or simply enjoy the experience, their participation underscores the enduring appeal of mixed doubles as a showcase for talent, camaraderie, and the love of the game.