Serena Williams and rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz have officially entered the mixed‑doubles draw at the US Open, joining forces as a high‑profile partnership for the tournament. While the duo will compete together in the mixed‑doubles event, the American legend has confirmed that she will not be taking part in the women’s singles competition in New York. Williams, who last appeared in a US Open singles match in 2022 when she fell to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović in the third round, is set to make her first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since that defeat.
The pair received a wildcard entry, allowing them to bypass qualifying and jump straight into the main draw. This marks a notable comeback for Serena, who spent much of the summer away from the tour, focusing on recovery and selective participation in a few events. The 23‑time Grand Slam champion and six‑time US Open winner previously claimed the mixed‑doubles crown back in 1998 alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi.
That victory remains a memorable chapter in her extensive résumé, and many fans are eager to see whether she can replicate that success with Alcaraz, who is currently defending his men’s singles title after a brief hiatus caused by a right‑wrist injury. Despite her enthusiasm for doubles, Serena will not be contesting the singles draw this year. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded the final women’s singles wildcard to fellow American Sofia Kenin, leaving Williams without a direct entry into the singles bracket. As a result, she will focus exclusively on doubles play – both the mixed‑doubles event with Alcaraz and the women’s doubles, where she has already teamed up with her older sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open earlier in the season.
Former doubles champion Jamie Murray addressed the situation on Sky Sports Tennis, noting, "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, but I don't know if she feels physically ready to get back on the singles court and compete, or maybe she doesn't feel she can do that altogether. 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." The mixed‑doubles competition is set to begin on Tuesday, and the draw features several intriguing pairings. World No.
1 Aryna Sabalenka will join forces with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, while American Jessica Pegula will partner with compatriot Taylor Fritz after their original teammates – Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina – withdrew from the event. These line‑ups promise a blend of experience and youthful energy, adding depth to an already exciting mixed‑doubles field. Alcaraz, who announced his intention to defend his singles title after missing several months due to the wrist issue, expressed enthusiasm about the mixed‑doubles opportunity. He highlighted the chance to play alongside a legend of the sport and to experience a different competitive atmosphere beyond the singles spotlight.
"Playing mixed doubles with Serena is a unique privilege," he said in a recent interview. "It’s a chance to learn from one of the greatest players ever and to enjoy a different side of tennis that’s more relaxed but still highly competitive." For fans eager to follow the action, the US Open offers multiple streaming options.
Sky Sports will broadcast live coverage of both ATP and WTA matches, including the mixed‑doubles events, starting August 30. Additionally, the NOW platform provides contract‑free streaming of the tournament, while the Sky Sports app delivers news, video highlights, and real‑time scores.
The mixed‑doubles format, which pairs male and female players on the same side of the court, often produces fast‑paced, entertaining tennis with frequent net play and strategic poaching. Historically, it has served as a showcase for players to demonstrate versatility and teamwork, and the Williams‑Alcaraz partnership is expected to bring a blend of power, athleticism, and tactical acumen.
Beyond the on‑court action, Serena’s participation underscores her broader commitment to the sport. Since stepping back from a full‑time schedule, she has selectively chosen events that allow her to stay connected with tennis while managing her physical health.
Her involvement in mixed doubles this year reflects a strategic approach: staying competitive, enjoying the camaraderie of doubles, and contributing to the tournament’s appeal without the demanding grind of a singles campaign. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the mixed‑doubles draw to see how the newly formed pairings gel. Will Serena and Alcaraz capture the chemistry needed to advance deep into the bracket? Can Sabalenka and Djokovic translate their singles dominance into mixed‑doubles success?
The answers will unfold over the next several days, offering tennis enthusiasts a fresh narrative alongside the traditional singles storylines. Regardless of the outcomes, Serena’s presence at Flushing Meadows adds a layer of excitement and nostalgia for longtime fans, while Alcaraz’s continued pursuit of a historic back‑to‑back US Open singles title keeps the spotlight firmly on the men’s competition. Together, they embody the blend of legacy and emerging talent that defines modern tennis, promising a memorable chapter in this year’s US Open.