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 teamed up competitively at a Grand Slam during the 2022 US Open. Their most recent partnership was showcased earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open, where they played together for the first time in several years, rekindling the chemistry that made them one of tennis’s most formidable pairs. The sisters now head back to Flushing Meadows, the venue where they last captured a major title together, to contest the biggest stage in American tennis.
Serena’s comeback story has been a headline in its own right. After stepping away from professional competition for almost four years, she made a dramatic return during the grass‑court season, surprising fans and commentators alike with her resilience and skill. However, her resurgence was briefly halted when a knee injury forced her to retire from a first‑round singles match at Wimbledon, prompting both sisters to withdraw from the doubles event at the All England Club.
While Serena is now 44, Venus, who turned 46 in June, has been the more active of the two in recent months. Venus has competed in a handful of tournaments across both singles and doubles this year, maintaining a steady presence on the tour and demonstrating that age has not diminished her competitive fire. The pair’s combined résumé is staggering: together they have captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, a testament to their dominance and enduring partnership. The Williams sisters are slated to make their opening appearance at the US Open on either September 3 or September 4, depending on the draw.
The women’s doubles final is scheduled for September 11, offering the potential for another historic moment on the storied hard courts of New York. Their legacy at Flushing Meadows already includes two championship victories, first in 1999 and again a decade later in 2009, underscoring their ability to perform at the highest level across different eras of the sport. In addition to the doubles competition, Serena also took part in the mixed‑doubles event at the US Open, partnering with rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz.
The pair delivered an electrifying first‑round performance that delighted the crowd, though their run concluded in the quarter‑finals. 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 draw was put to rest when Sofia Kenin was awarded the final wild‑card slot, effectively ending any hopes of a full‑scale singles comeback for Serena at this tournament. Both sisters boast impressive individual Grand Slam records.
Serena’s tally stands at an astonishing 23 singles majors, a figure that cements her status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Venus, while not matching her sister’s singles total, has secured seven major titles of her own, highlighting a career that has been both successful and influential in its own right. The US Open will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including live streams on NOW and coverage on Sky Sports, which will also feature ATP and WTA Tour action. Fans can look forward to a comprehensive tennis experience, from live matches to highlights, interviews, and an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology for those new to the sport.
The tournament promises a blend of nostalgia and fresh competition, with the Williams sisters adding a compelling narrative thread to an already exciting event. Beyond the immediate excitement of the matches, the Williams sisters’ participation carries broader significance for the sport. Their return to Grand Slam doubles competition serves as an inspiration to younger players, demonstrating that longevity, perseverance, and family bonds can coexist with elite performance.
It also offers a rare opportunity for tennis enthusiasts to witness a historic partnership in action once more, potentially adding another chapter to the storied legacy of the Williams name in tennis history. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the sisters’ chemistry on the court, their strategic adjustments after years apart, and how they navigate the modern game’s evolving dynamics. Whether they capture another title or simply enjoy the experience of competing together again, their presence will undoubtedly enrich the 2026 US Open narrative and provide memorable moments for fans worldwide.