Serena Williams and rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz have officially entered the mixed‑doubles draw at this year’s US Open, securing a wildcard that guarantees them a spot in the tournament. While the partnership promises an exciting blend of experience and youthful energy, the American legend has confirmed that she will not be competing in the women’s singles event in New York. Williams, a 23‑time Grand Slam champion and six‑time US Open title‑holder, is making her first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since the 2022 edition, where she fell in the third round to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović. After a brief return to the sport earlier this summer, she now aims to test her game in the mixed‑doubles format alongside the defending men’s champion, Alcaraz, who is also looking to defend his 2023 US Open title after a lengthy recovery from a right‑wrist injury that kept him out of competition since April.
The mixed‑doubles entry comes as a nostalgic nod to Williams’ earlier success in the format; she captured the mixed‑doubles crown back in 1998 with partner Max Mirnyi. That victory remains a highlight of her versatile career, which has spanned singles dominance, women’s doubles triumphs with sister Venus, and numerous mixed‑doubles forays. This year, however, she will not be contesting the singles draw because the United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded its final women’s wildcard to former champion Sofia Kenin, leaving Williams to focus exclusively on doubles play.
In a recent interview on Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles specialist Jamie Murray offered his perspective on Williams’ decision. He noted, “Serena obviously hasn’t played a singles match since Wimbledon, and it’s unclear whether she feels physically prepared to step back onto a singles court at this point. It could be a matter of fitness, or perhaps she simply prefers to enjoy the doubles format this time around.” Murray added that Williams will still appear in the women’s doubles with her elder sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, and that the mixed‑doubles event should provide a fun, lower‑pressure environment for her to ease back into competitive tennis.
The mixed‑doubles field for the US Open begins on Tuesday, and the Williams‑Alcaraz pairing is expected to draw considerable attention from fans and media alike. Their contrasting styles—Williams’ powerful baseline play and Alcaraz’s aggressive all‑court game—could create a dynamic partnership capable of challenging the seasoned mixed‑doubles teams already in the draw. Other notable pairings this year include World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka joining forces with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, and American Jessica Pegula teaming up with fellow USA player Taylor Fritz after their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the competition.
These line‑ups illustrate the depth and international flavor of the mixed‑doubles event, which often serves as a showcase for both established stars and emerging talent. For viewers, the tournament will be accessible through multiple platforms. Fans can stream matches without a contract on the NOW service, and Sky Sports will provide live coverage of both the ATP and WTA tours, including the US Open, starting August 30.
The Sky Sports app also offers news, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis for those who want to stay up‑to‑date on scores, results, and upcoming matchups. In summary, Serena Williams’ return to the US Open will be limited to the mixed‑doubles competition, where she will partner with the defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz.
While she will not be contesting the women’s singles draw, her presence on the court—combined with Alcaraz’s quest to retain his title—adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament’s early rounds. The mixed‑doubles event promises high‑quality tennis, a blend of veteran savvy and youthful vigor, and plenty of memorable moments for fans watching from home or at the stadium.