Serena Williams has confirmed that she will return to Flushing Meadows for the US Open, but this time her focus will be on the mixed‑doubles event rather than the women's singles draw. The American legend will partner with Spain’s rising star and defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz after the tournament organizers granted the pair a wild‑card entry into the mixed‑doubles bracket.
This partnership marks a rare collaboration between two of tennis’s biggest names, and it will be Williams’ first competitive appearance at the US Open since her third‑round loss to Ajla Tomljanović in 2022. Williams, a 23‑time Grand Slam singles champion and six‑time US Open title‑holder, made a brief comeback to the sport earlier this summer, playing singles at Wimbledon and teaming with her older sister Venus in the doubles event at the Cincinnati Open.
However, she will not be contesting the women’s singles in New York, as the United States Tennis Association allocated the final women’s wild‑card to Sofia Kenin. The decision appears to be driven by concerns over Williams’ physical readiness after a lengthy hiatus from singles competition. Speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, former doubles specialist Jamie Murray offered his perspective on the situation: "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 draw is set to begin on Tuesday, and the Williams‑Alcaraz pairing will be one of the most talked‑about teams in the field. Williams previously captured the mixed‑doubles crown at the 1998 US Open alongside Belarusian veteran Max Mirnyi, so she brings a wealth of experience to the format.
Alcaraz, who is defending his men’s singles title after a wrist injury forced him out of competition from April until recently, will be eager to add a mixed‑doubles trophy to his résumé. Other notable mixed‑doubles pairings have also been announced. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will join four‑time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula will team up with fellow American Taylor Fritz after their original partners, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, withdrew from the event.
These line‑ups suggest a competitive and entertaining mixed‑doubles tournament that could provide a welcome diversion from the singles action. For fans looking to follow the matches, the US Open will be streamed without a contract on the NOW platform, and live coverage will also be available through the Sky Sports app and television channels. The tournament’s official website recommends using the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience.
Williams’ decision to focus on doubles rather than singles reflects a broader trend among veteran players who are managing their bodies while still wanting to compete at the highest level. Mixed doubles offers a less physically demanding format, allowing seasoned athletes to showcase their skill, court sense, and chemistry with a partner without the grueling demands of a five‑set singles match. For Williams, it also presents an opportunity to share the court with Alcaraz, whose explosive baseline game and youthful energy complement her own aggressive style and net prowess. The partnership also carries symbolic weight.
Williams, who has been a trailblazer for women’s sport and a global icon for over two decades, joining forces with Alcaraz—a player often hailed as the future of men’s tennis—creates a narrative of passing the torch while still competing side by side. Their combined fan bases will undoubtedly draw significant attention to the mixed‑doubles event, potentially boosting viewership and interest in a discipline that traditionally receives less media coverage than singles.
Beyond the on‑court action, the mixed‑doubles tournament provides a platform for players to experiment with strategies that differ from their usual singles or same‑gender doubles play. The mixed format requires teams to adapt to varying power dynamics, with men’s serves often being faster and women’s groundstrokes typically more consistent.
Successful pairs must develop seamless communication, capitalize on each partner’s strengths, and execute precise poaching at the net. Williams’ extensive doubles experience, particularly her chemistry with sister Venus, should serve her well in navigating these tactical nuances alongside Alcaraz. As the US Open progresses, all eyes will be on the Williams‑Alcaraz duo to see whether their combined talent can translate into a deep run or even a championship. Regardless of the outcome, their participation underscores the enduring appeal of mixed doubles and highlights how even the sport’s most iconic figures continue to evolve, adapt, and find new ways to contribute to tennis’s rich tapestry.