Serena Williams has agreed to join forces with Spain's rising star Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed‑doubles draw at this year’s US Open, but the American legend will not be entering the women's singles bracket. The pairing was granted a wildcard by the United States Tennis Association, giving the duo a direct spot in the mixed‑doubles competition and setting the stage for a highly publicized partnership at Flushing Meadows.
This marks Serena’s first competitive appearance at the US Open since the 2022 tournament, where she was eliminated in the third round by Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović. After a brief hiatus from the tour earlier this summer, Williams returned to the sport and now aims to make an impact in the mixed‑doubles field alongside the defending men’s champion Alcaraz. The mixed‑doubles title is not unfamiliar territory for Williams; she captured that crown back in 1998 when she partnered with Belarusian doubles specialist Max Mirnyi. While Williams is back on court, she has chosen to focus exclusively on doubles play in New York.
The USTA allocated its final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, leaving no open slot for Serena in the singles draw. This decision was echoed by former doubles champion Jamie Murray during an interview with Sky Sports Tennis.
Murray noted, "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, and it's unclear whether she feels physically ready to tackle the rigors of singles competition again. She may simply prefer to enjoy the mixed‑doubles event and some occasional doubles with her sister Venus." Williams recently demonstrated her doubles chemistry with Venus at the Cincinnati Open, and the sisters have a long history of success together.
However, the mixed‑doubles format offers a different dynamic, pairing a top female player with a leading male competitor. In this case, the partnership with Alcaraz—who is defending his US Open men’s singles title after a wrist injury sidelined him since April—creates a compelling storyline for fans and media alike. The mixed‑doubles main draw is set to commence on Tuesday, and the tournament will feature several other high‑profile pairings.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will team up with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula will join forces with fellow American Taylor Fritz after original partners Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina withdrew from the event.
These changes highlight the fluid nature of mixed‑doubles line‑ups, where injuries and scheduling conflicts often lead to last‑minute adjustments. For viewers, the US Open offers multiple ways to follow the action.
The tournament is being broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, and fans can also stream matches without a contract through the NOW platform. The Sky Sports app provides additional features such as real‑time scores, video highlights, and exclusive player interviews, making it a comprehensive hub for tennis enthusiasts. Beyond the immediate excitement of the mixed‑doubles competition, Serena’s involvement carries broader significance.
At 41, she remains a cultural icon and a trailblazer for women’s sport, and her decision to compete in mixed doubles rather than singles underscores a strategic approach to managing her physical health while still contributing to the sport she loves. The partnership with Alcaraz also symbolizes a passing of the torch, linking the sport’s storied past with its vibrant future.
Alcaraz, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, has been on a redemption arc after missing several months of play due to a right‑wrist injury.
His return to the US Open is highly anticipated, and his willingness to share the court with Williams adds an extra layer of intrigue. Both players bring a wealth of experience and a fierce competitive spirit, which could translate into a formidable mixed‑doubles team capable of challenging for the title. The mixed‑doubles event often serves as a showcase for creative tactics and on‑court chemistry, as players must quickly adapt to each other's strengths and weaknesses.
For Williams, who has previously excelled in both singles and doubles, this format provides an opportunity to leverage her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and net skills in a collaborative setting. Alcaraz, known for his explosive footwork and strategic shot selection, complements her style with youthful energy and a relentless attacking mindset. While the US Open singles draws will dominate headlines, the mixed‑doubles competition offers its own narrative arcs and moments of drama. Fans can expect close matches, unexpected upsets, and memorable rallies as teams vie for the coveted trophy.
The event also provides a platform for players to experiment with different strategies, such as serve‑and‑volley play, poaching at the net, and coordinated baseline attacks. In summary, Serena Williams’ decision to partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open mixed‑doubles field, while opting out of the women’s singles, reflects a thoughtful balance between competitive desire and physical stewardship.
Their wildcard entry guarantees a high‑profile debut, and the tournament’s extensive broadcast coverage ensures that audiences worldwide can witness this unique collaboration. As the mixed‑doubles draw unfolds, all eyes will be on the Williams‑Alcaraz duo to see whether their combined talent can translate into championship success.