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 invitation marks a notable return for the iconic duo, who last partnered competitively at the 2022 US Open and most recently faced off together at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month. Their upcoming appearance at Flushing Meadows will be the first Grand Slam contest they have shared since that 2022 showdown, adding a nostalgic chapter to their storied partnership. The sisters’ comeback is particularly poignant given Serena’s dramatic re‑entry into professional tennis during the grass‑court season.
After a hiatus of nearly four years, Serena stepped back onto the tour with a series of impressive performances, only to suffer a knee injury in the first round of Wimbledon singles. That injury forced both Serena and Venus to withdraw from the doubles event at the All England Club, cutting short what many hoped would be a memorable Wimbledon run for the pair. While Serena is now 44 years old, her younger sibling Venus, who turned 46 in June, has been the more active competitor throughout the current season. Venus has logged a busy schedule, entering a variety of tournaments in both singles and doubles, demonstrating that age has not diminished her competitive drive.
Despite the age difference, the sisters have maintained a close professional relationship, often supporting each other’s schedules and training regimes. The Williams sisters have amassed an extraordinary record as a team, capturing 14 Grand Slam titles together and adding three Olympic gold medals to their collective haul. Their shared legacy includes two major victories at Flushing Meadows itself, first in 1999 and again a decade later in 2009. Fans can anticipate that their presence will bring both high‑level tennis and a wave of nostalgia to the 2026 tournament.
Their opening match is slated for either September 3 or September 4, with the women's doubles final scheduled for September 11. The exact draw has yet to be released, but the pair will likely face seasoned doubles specialists in the early rounds, providing a test of their chemistry after a relatively limited amount of recent joint play. In addition to the doubles competition, Serena also participated in the US Open mixed doubles event earlier in the week, teaming up with rising star Carlos Alcaraz. The pair delivered an electrifying performance in the first round, captivating the crowd with aggressive baseline play and sharp net reflexes before eventually falling in the quarter‑finals.
Their mixed‑doubles run added another layer of excitement to Serena’s return, showcasing her versatility across formats. Meanwhile, Venus received a separate wild‑card for the women’s singles draw, confirming her intention to compete in both disciplines.
Speculation about Serena entering the singles field was put to rest when Sofia Kenin was awarded the final wild‑card slot, meaning the Williams sisters will focus solely on doubles and, for Serena, mixed doubles. The sisters’ individual achievements remain remarkable: Serena holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles, a record that underscores her dominance over two decades, while Venus has claimed seven major singles crowns.
Their combined experience and tactical acumen make them a formidable team, even against younger, more physically fresh opponents. For viewers, the US Open will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including live streams on NOW and the Sky Sports app, as well as traditional television coverage on Sky Sports starting August 30.
Fans can also access a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, watch highlights, interviews, and in‑depth analysis of matches, and keep up with real‑time scores and upcoming fixtures via the tournament’s official site. The Williams sisters’ return to Grand Slam doubles is more than just a nostalgic footnote; it represents a celebration of perseverance, family bonds, and the enduring appeal of tennis legends who continue to inspire new generations.
As they prepare to step onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, the tennis world watches with anticipation, ready to witness another chapter in the remarkable saga of Serena and Venus Williams.