The headline pairing of Serena Williams and Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz has been confirmed for the mixed‑doubles event at this year’s US Open, but the American legend will not be entering the women’s singles draw. Both players received a wildcard that grants them direct entry into the mixed‑doubles bracket, marking a rare collaboration between two of the sport’s most celebrated athletes. Williams’ appearance at Flushing Meadows will be her first competitive match at the tournament since the 2022 edition, where she fell in the third round to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović.
After stepping away from the tour for a brief period earlier this summer, she returned to the court at Wimbledon, where she competed in the singles draw, and later partnered with her older sister Venus in the doubles event at the Cincinnati Open. However, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded the final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, leaving Serena without a spot in the singles competition in New York.
The 23‑time Grand Slam champion and six‑time US Open winner is no stranger to mixed‑doubles success. She captured the mixed‑doubles title back in 1998 alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi, demonstrating her versatility across formats.
This year, she will be aiming to add another mixed‑doubles trophy to her extensive résumé, this time alongside the defending men’s champion, Alcaraz, who is looking to repeat his singles triumph after a wrist injury kept him off the tour from April until recently. In a recent interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles champion Jamie Murray offered his perspective on Serena’s decision to focus on doubles rather than a full singles comeback.
“Serena obviously hasn’t played a singles match since Wimbledon, but I don’t know if she feels physically ready to get back on the singles court and compete, or maybe she doesn’t feel she can do that altogether,” Murray said. He added that Williams will still enjoy the doubles format with her sister Venus and the mixed‑doubles event, noting that he had expected to see her play more matches throughout the US Open Series after Wimbledon, but that plan did not materialize. The mixed‑doubles draw is set to kick off on Tuesday, and fans can anticipate a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents battling for the coveted title. Alongside the Williams‑Alcaraz partnership, other notable pairings have been announced.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will join forces with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, forming a powerhouse duo that could dominate the competition. Meanwhile, American Jessica Pegula will team up with fellow countryman Taylor Fritz after their original partners—Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina—withdrawed from the event. For viewers eager to follow the action, the US Open offers multiple streaming options.
The tournament can be watched without a contract through the NOW platform, and Sky Sports provides live coverage of both the ATP and WTA tours, including the mixed‑doubles matches. The Sky Sports app also delivers news updates, video highlights, and real‑time scores for those who prefer mobile access.
Beyond the mixed‑doubles storyline, the US Open remains a focal point for the tennis calendar, featuring high‑stakes singles, doubles, and junior events. The tournament’s schedule, which runs from August 30 through early September, promises a packed itinerary of matches across all categories. Spectators can expect thrilling rallies, unexpected upsets, and historic moments as players vie for Grand Slam glory. In summary, Serena Williams’ return to the US Open will be limited to the mixed‑doubles competition alongside Carlos Alcaraz, while she forgoes participation in the women’s singles draw.
Their wildcard entry adds a compelling narrative to the tournament, highlighting the blend of experience and youth that defines modern tennis. Fans can look forward to a captivating mixed‑doubles campaign, complemented by a robust lineup of singles and doubles contests across the event’s duration.