Serena Williams and rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz have officially entered the mixed‑doubles draw at the US Open, but the American legend will not be contesting the women’s singles event. The pair received a wildcard entry, allowing them to compete together in the mixed‑doubles bracket while Williams focuses solely on the partnership format. This marks Serena’s first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since her third‑round loss to Ajla Tomljanović in 2022. After a brief comeback earlier this summer, the 23‑time Grand Slam champion is back on the court, but only in the mixed‑doubles discipline alongside Alcaraz, who is the defending men’s singles champion.
Williams’ mixed‑doubles pedigree is impressive: she captured the title in 1998 with Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi. The 41‑year‑old, who has amassed six US Open titles and 23 Grand Slam singles crowns over her storied career, will now aim to add another mixed‑doubles trophy to her extensive collection. The decision to forgo singles play in New York comes after the United States Tennis Association awarded its final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin.
Consequently, Serena’s schedule this week will be limited to doubles action. She recently partnered with her older sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open and also entered the Wimbledon singles draw earlier this season, but she has not taken a singles match since Wimbledon. Former doubles champion Jamie Murray commented on Sky Sports Tennis, noting, "Serena obviously hasn't played a singles match since Wimbledon, and I’m not sure if she feels physically ready to get back on the singles court. She might prefer to stay in doubles, where the physical demands are different." Murray added, "She’s going to play some doubles with her sister Venus, and she has 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 draw opens on Tuesday, and the Williams‑Alcaraz team will be one of the tournament’s most talked‑about pairings. Alcaraz, who announced his intention to defend his singles title after missing several months due to a right‑wrist injury, will be balancing his own singles campaign with this mixed‑doubles commitment. Other notable mixed‑doubles pairings include World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka teaming up with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, and American Jessica Pegula joining forces with fellow US player Taylor Fritz after original partners Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina withdrew.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast both the ATP and WTA tours throughout the US Open, beginning August 30. Streaming options are also available through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, providing contract‑free access to matches, highlights, and exclusive video content. In addition to the mixed‑doubles competition, the tournament will feature the usual slate of singles, doubles, and junior events, with prize money and ranking points on the line for all participants.
The US Open remains the final Grand Slam of the calendar year, and players often use the event to secure a strong finish to the season or to gain momentum heading into the next year. Serena’s return to a Grand Slam stage, even in a limited capacity, has generated significant excitement among tennis enthusiasts. Her legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time ensures that any appearance draws considerable media attention, and the prospect of seeing her share the court with Alcaraz – a player many consider the future face of men’s tennis – adds an extra layer of intrigue. While Williams has not confirmed any plans for a full singles comeback beyond this mixed‑doubles appearance, her participation underscores her enduring love for the sport and her willingness to compete in formats that suit her current physical condition.
The mixed‑doubles event offers a less grueling schedule than singles, allowing seasoned veterans like Serena to showcase their skills without the intense physical toll of a full singles draw. The tournament organizers have highlighted the mixed‑doubles competition as a fan‑friendly showcase, emphasizing the unique chemistry that can develop between players from different countries and playing styles.
The Williams‑Alcaraz partnership exemplifies this concept, blending Serena’s aggressive baseline play and net instincts with Alcaraz’s explosive shot‑making and youthful energy. As the US Open progresses, all eyes will be on the mixed‑doubles court to see whether this high‑profile duo can translate their individual success into a championship run.
Regardless of the outcome, Serena’s presence at Flushing Meadows serves as a reminder of her lasting impact on tennis and her continued relevance in the modern game.