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 blend of experience and youthful vigor, Williams has confirmed that she will not be contesting the women’s singles event in New York. The announcement marks Williams’ first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since the 2022 edition, where she fell in the third round to Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanović.
After a brief hiatus earlier this summer, the 23‑time Grand Slam champion decided to ease back into the sport by focusing on doubles play, a format that places less physical strain than the grueling best‑of‑three singles matches. Williams’ mixed‑doubles pedigree is not new; she captured the title in 1998 alongside Belarusian specialist Max Mirnyi. That victory remains a highlight of her versatile career, which includes six US Open women’s singles crowns and a total of 23 Grand Slam singles championships.
Her recent schedule has already featured a doubles outing with her older sister, Venus, at the Cincinnati Open, as well as a singles campaign at Wimbledon, where she competed but did not advance deep into the draw. The decision to forego the singles draw this year appears to be a strategic one.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) allocated the final women’s singles wildcard to Sofia Kenin, leaving Williams without a direct entry. In a televised interview with Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles champion Jamie Murray offered his perspective on the situation. He noted that Williams has not played a singles match since Wimbledon and speculated that she may feel her body is not yet ready for the demands of singles competition.
Murray added, “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.” Alcaraz, the defending men’s champion, confirmed his intention to return to the singles draw after a lengthy recovery from a right‑wrist injury that kept him out of competition since April. His participation in the mixed‑doubles event with Williams adds an extra layer of intrigue, as fans anticipate how the two will mesh on court. Both players have expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the chance to enjoy a less pressurized format while still delivering high‑quality tennis.
The mixed‑doubles field this year features several notable pairings. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will partner with four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, creating a powerhouse duo that blends Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play with Djokovic’s unrivaled court coverage and tactical acumen. In another American team, Jessica Pegula will join forces with Taylor Fritz after their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the competition.
These changes have reshaped the draw and heightened anticipation for the opening round, which is slated to begin on Tuesday. For fans seeking to follow the action, the US Open offers multiple streaming options. The tournament can be watched without a contract through the NOW service, and live coverage is also available on the Sky Sports platform starting August 30.
The Sky Sports app provides additional features such as real‑time scores, match highlights, and exclusive video content, ensuring that viewers can stay up to date with every twist and turn of the event. Beyond the immediate excitement of the mixed‑doubles matches, Williams’ return to competitive tennis carries broader significance. Her presence on the court, even in a limited capacity, serves as an inspiration to younger players and underscores the longevity possible in the sport when athletes manage their workloads wisely.
By choosing to compete in doubles rather than singles, she demonstrates a pragmatic approach to extending her career while still contributing to the tournament’s narrative. The mixed‑doubles competition at the US Open has historically been a showcase for creativity and entertainment, often featuring unconventional pairings and spectacular shot‑making. With Williams and Alcaraz at the helm, this year’s draw promises a blend of seasoned expertise and fresh talent that could produce memorable moments for both casual viewers and tennis aficionados alike. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how the Williams‑Alcaraz partnership navigates the early rounds, how the top‑seeded Sabalenka‑Djokovic team performs, and whether the newly formed American duo of Pegula and Fritz can capitalize on their opportunity.
The mixed‑doubles event may not carry the same prestige as the singles championships, but it offers a unique stage for players to experiment, have fun, and connect with fans in a more relaxed setting. In summary, Serena Williams will be back at the US Open, but her focus will be on mixed doubles alongside Carlos Alcaraz, while she sits out the women’s singles draw. The tournament’s wildcard allocations, recent injuries, and strategic decisions by players have all contributed to a dynamic and compelling lineup for the mixed‑doubles competition, which kicks off on Tuesday and will be broadcast across multiple platforms for a global audience.