Serena Williams and rising star Carlos Alcaraz have officially entered the mixed‑doubles draw at this year’s US Open, receiving a wildcard that guarantees them a spot in the tournament. While the pairing promises an exciting partnership on the court, Williams has confirmed that she will not be competing in the women’s singles event in New York. The announcement marks Williams’ first appearance in a competitive match at Flushing Meadows since the 2022 edition, where she fell in the third round to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović.
After a lengthy hiatus from the regular tour, the 23‑time Grand Slam champion returned to the sport earlier this summer, primarily focusing on doubles play. Her decision to limit her schedule to mixed doubles this year reflects a cautious approach to managing her physical condition after years of intense competition.
Williams, a six‑time US Open champion and one of the most decorated athletes in tennis history, previously captured the mixed‑doubles title at Flushing Meadows back in 1998 alongside Belarusian partner Max Mirnyi. That victory remains a highlight of her versatile career, which includes triumphs in both singles and doubles across all four major tournaments. This year, she will once again step onto the same courts, but this time with a much younger partner in Alcaraz, the 2022 US Open men’s singles champion and current world number one. Alcaraz, who is making his return to defend the men’s singles crown after missing several months due to a right‑wrist injury, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
He praised Williams for her legendary status and said that playing alongside her would be a unique learning experience. The two were granted a wildcard entry by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which also allocated the final women’s singles wildcard to fellow American Sofia Kenin, effectively closing the door on a singles comeback for Williams. Commentators have speculated on why Williams opted out of singles competition. Jamie Murray, former mixed‑doubles champion and current analyst for Sky Sports Tennis, offered his perspective: "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, and it's unclear whether she feels physically ready to take on the rigors of singles play at this stage.
She might prefer the lower‑impact demands of doubles, especially mixed doubles, where the court coverage is shared." Murray added that Williams is still expected to appear in other doubles formats during the US Open series. "She'll likely team up with her sister Venus in women’s doubles at the Cincinnati Open and possibly in New York as well.
The mixed‑doubles event offers a fun, less intense environment, and it gives her a chance to gauge her fitness without the pressure of a singles draw," he explained. The mixed‑doubles draw is set to commence on Tuesday, with several high‑profile pairings already announced. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will join four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic as a team, while Jessica Pegula will partner with fellow American Taylor Fritz after their original partners—Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina—withdrawed from the competition.
These changes have added an extra layer of intrigue to the event, as fans anticipate how the new combinations will gel on the court. For viewers, the tournament will be accessible through multiple platforms. Sky Sports will broadcast the matches live from August 30, and fans can also stream the action contract‑free via the NOW service or the Sky Sports app, which offers real-time scores, highlights, and exclusive video content. The network has also provided a recommendation to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the Williams‑Alcaraz partnership, the broader narrative of the US Open this year revolves around comebacks and resilience. Alcaraz’s return after a wrist injury, Sabalenka’s continued dominance, and Djokovic’s pursuit of another mixed‑doubles title all underscore the tournament’s theme of athletes overcoming adversity. Williams’ participation, even in a limited capacity, adds a nostalgic yet forward‑looking element, reminding fans of her enduring impact on the sport while showcasing her willingness to adapt her schedule to suit her current needs.
In summary, Serena Williams will grace the US Open courts this summer, but her focus will be on the mixed‑doubles event alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The partnership, granted a wildcard by the USTA, promises an entertaining blend of experience and youthful vigor.
While she will not contend for the women’s singles title, Williams remains an integral part of the tournament’s storylines, contributing her legendary presence to the mixed‑doubles draw and potentially partnering with her sister in women’s doubles. Fans can follow all the action live on Sky Sports, NOW, or the Sky Sports app, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every match, score, and highlight throughout the championship.