Serena Williams and rising star Carlos Alcaraz have officially entered the mixed‑doubles draw at the US Open, receiving a wildcard that guarantees their participation in the event. While the pair will share the court in the mixed‑doubles bracket, the American legend has decided not to compete in the women's singles tournament this year. Williams' return to Flushing Meadows marks her first competitive appearance at the venue since the 2022 edition, where she fell in the third round to Croatia's Ajla Tomljanović.
After taking a break from the sport earlier in the summer, the 23‑time Grand Slam champion is eager to test her game again, but she has chosen to focus on doubles play rather than the grueling singles schedule. The mixed‑doubles partnership with Alcaraz is especially noteworthy because it pairs two of tennis' most recognizable names from different generations. Alcaraz, the defending men’s champion, secured his title in 2023 and is now aiming to repeat his success while also supporting his partner in the mixed‑doubles event.
The duo received a wildcard entry from the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which also granted the final women's singles wildcard to fellow American Sofia Kenin, effectively closing the door on a singles spot for Williams. Serena’s mixed‑doubles pedigree dates back to 1998, when she captured the title alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi.
That victory was a highlight in her already illustrious career, which includes six US Open singles crowns and a total of 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Although she recently competed in singles at Wimbledon and paired with her sister Venus in doubles at the Cincinnati Open, the decision to skip the US Open singles draw reflects a strategic choice to manage her physical condition after a lengthy hiatus. Commentators have speculated about the reasons behind her withdrawal from singles.
Jamie Murray, a former doubles champion and current analyst for Sky Sports Tennis, noted, "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, and it's unclear whether she feels physically ready to tackle the demands of a singles campaign in New York. She might simply prefer to enjoy the mixed‑doubles format and the camaraderie it offers, especially after a season that has already been quite busy for her." Murray added that he had expected to see Williams appear more frequently on the US Open Series circuit after Wimbledon, perhaps playing additional matches to build momentum for a full singles run. "She’s going to play some doubles with her sister Venus and she’s got a fun event in the mixed doubles. I personally expected to see her across the US Open Series after Wimbledon – to play more matches with a view to competing in New York, but obviously that's not the case," he said.
The mixed‑doubles draw is set to kick off on Tuesday, and the tournament promises several 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 their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the competition. These line‑ups add depth and intrigue to a field that already includes the Williams‑Alcaraz partnership. Alcaraz himself announced earlier in the week that he intends to defend his singles title, despite having missed several months of competition due to a right‑wrist injury sustained in April.
His recovery has been closely monitored, and his return to the court is seen as a major storyline for the tournament. The young Spaniard’s decision to compete in mixed doubles as well demonstrates his willingness to embrace a broader range of match play, perhaps to sharpen his reflexes and net skills ahead of the singles draw. For fans eager to follow the action, the US Open offers multiple viewing options.
The tournament can be streamed without a contract through the NOW service, and live coverage is also available on the Sky Sports platform, which will broadcast both ATP and WTA events from August 30 onward. The Sky Sports app provides additional features such as real‑time scores, match highlights, and exclusive video content, ensuring that viewers can stay up‑to‑date with every twist and turn of the competition. In summary, Serena Williams' decision to focus on mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz adds a compelling narrative to this year’s US Open. While she forgoes a singles campaign, her presence on the court still promises excitement, nostalgia, and a showcase of elite talent.
The mixed‑doubles event, enriched by a roster of top‑ranked players and seasoned veterans, is poised to deliver memorable moments for both longtime followers of the sport and newcomers alike.