Serena and Venus Williams are set to reunite on the courts of the 2026 US Open, having been granted a wild‑card entry into the women’s doubles draw. This marks a highly anticipated return for the iconic duo, who last teamed up competitively at the 2022 US Open before re‑uniting earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open.
Their performance in Cincinnati, the first time the sisters had played together in a tournament since their 2022 Grand Slam appearance, sparked excitement among fans and set the stage for a dramatic comeback at Flushing Meadows, the venue where they previously captured two of their fourteen major doubles titles. Serena’s comeback to professional tennis has been nothing short of remarkable. After stepping away from the tour for nearly four years, she made a striking return during the 2024 grass‑court season, showcasing her trademark power and athleticism.
However, her resurgence was abruptly halted when she suffered a knee injury in the first round of Wimbledon singles, an injury that forced both her and Venus to withdraw from the doubles event at the All England Club. Despite this setback, the Williams sisters have remained determined to compete together at the US Open, a tournament that holds special significance as the site of their last major partnership.
While Serena is now 44 years old, her younger sister Venus, who turned 46 in June, has been the more active competitor throughout the current season. Venus has entered a number of both singles and doubles events, maintaining a steady presence on the tour and demonstrating that age has not diminished her competitive edge.
The sisters’ combined résumé is staggering: fourteen Grand Slam doubles titles, three Olympic gold medals, and a legacy that has inspired countless players worldwide. The women’s doubles competition at the US Open is scheduled to begin on either September 3 or 4, with the championship match slated for September 11. The Williams sisters will be looking to add another title to their already impressive collection, hoping to replicate the success they enjoyed at Flushing Meadows in 1999 and again a decade later in 2009. Their partnership has historically been a blend of Serena’s aggressive baseline play and Venus’s graceful net skills, a formula that has proven lethal against the best teams in the world.
In addition to the doubles draw, Serena also took part in the high‑profile mixed doubles event at the US Open, partnering with rising star Carlos Alcaraz. The pair delivered an electrifying performance in the opening round, thrilling spectators with their dynamic shot‑making before eventually bowing out in the quarter‑finals. This mixed doubles appearance underscored Serena’s continued relevance in the sport, even as she contemplates future participation in singles competition. Speaking of singles, Venus was recently awarded a wild card into the women’s singles draw, fueling speculation about whether Serena might also compete in the main draw.
Those rumors were put to rest when Sofia Kenin received the final wild‑card slot, confirming that Serena will focus solely on doubles and mixed doubles this year. Serena’s singles résumé remains unparalleled, with 23 Grand Slam titles, while Venus boasts seven major singles crowns, underscoring the depth of talent within the family. Fans eager to follow the action can stream the US Open and a host of other tennis events via the NOW platform, and detailed coverage will also be available on Sky Sports, which will broadcast the tournament from August 30 onward.
For those new to tennis, a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology is provided on the site, helping newcomers understand the nuances of scoring, match formats, and player rankings. Beyond the immediate excitement of the Williams sisters’ return, their participation highlights broader themes in tennis: the longevity of elite athletes, the impact of wild‑card entries in shaping tournament narratives, and the enduring appeal of sibling partnerships on the world stage. Their story serves as a reminder that even after years away from the sport, dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game can bring champions back to the biggest stages. As the tournament approaches, the tennis community will be watching closely to see how the sisters navigate the draw, which teams they will face, and whether they can capture another major title together.
Whether they lift the trophy or simply enjoy the experience of competing side by side once more, their presence at the US Open will undoubtedly add a historic and emotional layer to an already prestigious event.