Serena Williams and rising 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 that guarantees them a spot in the tournament, marking a rare partnership between two of the sport’s most celebrated athletes. This will be Williams’ first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since her third‑round loss to Ajla Tomljanović in 2022, and it comes after a brief comeback earlier this summer. Williams, a 23‑time Grand Slam singles champion and six‑time US Open winner, has a storied history at the tournament.
She previously captured the mixed‑doubles crown in 1998 alongside Belarusian doubles specialist Max Mirnyi, a title that remains a memorable highlight of her versatile career. After stepping away from the tour for a period, she returned to the court this summer, playing singles at Wimbledon and teaming with her older sister Venus in the women's doubles at the Cincinnati Open.
Despite that recent activity, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) awarded its final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, leaving Williams without a spot in the main singles draw in New York. In a recent interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles champion Jamie Murray offered his perspective on Williams’ decision.
He noted, "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." Murray’s comments suggest that the physical demands of singles competition may still be a concern for Williams, who is navigating a comeback after injuries and a long hiatus.
Alcaraz, the defending men’s champion, announced his intention to return to the US Open to defend his title after missing several months due to a right‑wrist injury sustained in April. His presence adds further intrigue to the mixed‑doubles field, as he will be paired with Williams, creating a high‑profile duo that is likely to attract considerable attention from fans and media alike. The mixed‑doubles draw, which begins on Tuesday, features several other notable pairings.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will partner with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula will join forces with fellow American Taylor Fritz after their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the event. These changes illustrate the fluid nature of mixed‑doubles line‑ups, where players often adjust partnerships based on availability and strategic considerations.
Beyond the on‑court action, the tournament offers a range of viewing options. Fans can stream the US Open without a contract through the NOW service, and Sky Sports provides live coverage of both ATP and WTA tours, as well as dedicated tennis programming via its app.
The network also supplies real‑time scores, results, and match previews, ensuring that viewers stay up‑to‑date with the latest developments throughout the fortnight. The decision for Williams to focus exclusively on doubles this year reflects a broader trend among veteran players who seek to extend their careers by limiting the physical strain associated with singles play. Doubles competition demands less court coverage and often allows for a more strategic, partnership‑based approach, which can be less taxing on the body while still offering high‑level competition. For Williams, the mixed‑doubles format also presents an opportunity to showcase her legendary shot‑making and court sense alongside a younger, dynamic partner like Alcaraz, potentially creating memorable moments for both longtime followers and newer fans of the sport.
While the mixed‑doubles event does not carry the same prestige or prize money as the singles championships, it has historically produced some of the most entertaining and unexpected results at Grand Slam tournaments. The chemistry between partners, the rapid pace of play, and the occasional surprise upsets make it a fan‑favorite. With Williams and Alcaraz entering the draw, the tournament organizers are likely hoping to capitalize on the star power of both athletes to boost viewership and generate buzz. In summary, Serena Williams will return to the US Open not as a singles contender but as a mixed‑doubles participant alongside Carlos Alcaraz, after receiving a wildcard entry.
The move underscores her strategic focus on manageable competition while still contributing to the excitement of the tournament. The mixed‑doubles field is shaping up to be diverse and competitive, featuring top talent from both the men’s and women’s tours. Fans can follow the action live via streaming platforms like NOW or through Sky Sports’ comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the excitement of this unique partnership and the broader tournament will be accessible to audiences worldwide.