Serena Williams and rising Spanish 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 has generated a wave of excitement among fans, 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 her third‑round loss to Ajla Tomljanović at the 2022 US Open. After a brief comeback earlier this summer, the 23‑time Grand Slam champion is now focusing on mixed doubles, a format in which she previously tasted success when she captured the title in 1998 alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi. Williams, who returned to the court earlier this season and even played singles at Wimbledon, has also teamed up with her older sister, Venus, in the women’s doubles at the Cincinnati Open.
However, the United States Tennis Association awarded the final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, leaving no opening for Serena in the main draw. In an interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles champion Jamie Murray offered his perspective on the situation. He noted that Serena has not played a singles match since Wimbledon and suggested that she may not feel physically prepared to take on the rigors of a singles campaign at the US Open.
"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," Murray said.
The mixed‑doubles competition is set to kick off on Tuesday, and the Williams‑Alcaraz team will be one of the marquee pairings to watch. Alcaraz, who is defending his men’s singles title after a wrist injury forced him out of competition from April until now, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. He sees the mixed‑doubles event as an opportunity to sharpen his net play and enjoy a different competitive atmosphere alongside one of the sport’s greatest legends. Other notable mixed‑doubles entries include World No.
1 Aryna Sabalenka joining forces with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, and American Jessica Pegula pairing with fellow countryman Taylor Fritz after their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the event. These line‑ups add depth and intrigue to a draw that often showcases unexpected chemistry and dramatic match‑ups.
For fans eager to follow the action, the US Open can be streamed without a contract through the NOW platform, and live coverage is also available on Sky Sports beginning August 30. The network’s app provides real‑time scores, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis across both the ATP and WTA tours. Beyond the immediate excitement of the mixed‑doubles bracket, Serena’s participation underscores a broader trend of veteran players embracing alternative formats to extend their careers and stay connected with the sport.
Mixed doubles offers a less physically demanding schedule while still delivering high‑stakes competition and the chance to collaborate with players from the opposite gender. For Williams, the format allows her to showcase her legendary serve, volleying prowess, and court sense without the exhaustive baseline rallies that dominate singles play. Alcaraz, meanwhile, benefits from the experience of sharing a court with a player who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and accumulated six US Open crowns.
Their partnership provides a unique learning environment: Serena’s instinctive positioning and tactical acumen complement Alcaraz’s explosive groundstrokes and youthful energy. Observers anticipate that the duo will bring an aggressive, attacking style to the mixed‑doubles field, potentially setting a high bar for other teams.
The decision to forego singles competition also reflects Williams’ careful management of her body after years of grueling seasons and recent health concerns. By focusing on doubles, she can limit the number of matches she plays each day, reduce the risk of overuse injuries, and still engage with the tournament atmosphere that she loves.
It also offers a platform for her to mentor younger players, both on and off the court, as she navigates the twilight of her illustrious career. Overall, the US Open’s mixed‑doubles event promises to be a highlight of the tournament, blending the sport’s history with its future. With iconic figures like Serena Williams and emerging talents such as Carlos Alcaraz sharing the court, fans can expect thrilling rallies, strategic net play, and moments of pure tennis artistry. Whether they advance deep into the draw or exit early, their collaboration will be remembered as a symbolic bridge between generations, showcasing the enduring appeal and versatility of tennis as a sport.