Serena and Venus Williams have secured a wild‑card entry to compete together in the women’s doubles draw at the 2026 US Open, marking a highly anticipated return to Grand Slam competition as a duo. The sisters last teamed up in a major at the 2022 US Open, and they reunited earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open, where they played competitively side‑by‑side for the first time in four years. Their partnership at Flushing Meadows will therefore be a nostalgic revisit to the venue where they last shared a major court together. Serena’s comeback to professional tennis began during the 2025 grass‑court season, after an almost four‑year hiatus from the sport.
Although she displayed flashes of her former brilliance, her return was cut short by a knee injury sustained in the first round of Wimbledon singles, which forced both sisters to withdraw from the doubles event at the All England Club. Despite that setback, the Williams sisters have remained in the public eye, with Venus, who turned 46 in June, staying more active on tour throughout the year, entering a variety of singles and doubles tournaments.
The pair’s combined résumé is staggering: together they have captured 14 Grand Slam titles in women’s doubles and have added three Olympic gold medals to their collective trophy cabinet. Their schedule at the US Open indicates that they will likely open the competition on either September 3 or September 4, with the championship match for the women’s doubles slated for September 11. Historically, the sisters have celebrated major victories on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, winning the women’s doubles crown in 1999 and again a decade later in 2009. In addition to their doubles commitment, Serena also participated in the high‑profile mixed doubles event at the US Open, partnering with Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz.
The pair electrified the crowd with an exciting first‑round victory before eventually falling in the quarter‑finals. Their mixed‑doubles run added another layer of excitement to an already packed tournament schedule for the Williams family.
While Venus was also granted a wild‑card entry into the women’s singles draw, speculation about Serena joining the singles field was put to rest when Sofia Kenin received the final wild‑card slot over the weekend. Serena’s singles legacy remains unparalleled, with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name, while Venus has amassed seven major singles crowns. Both sisters continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the sport, both on and off the court.
The US Open will be broadcast across multiple platforms, including live streams on NOW and the Sky Sports app, ensuring fans worldwide can follow every match. For those interested in deeper insight, the tournament’s official website offers a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, detailed scoreboards, and a library of highlights, interviews, and video content. Additionally, the ATP and WTA tours will be available live on Sky Sports throughout the event, beginning on August 30.
Beyond the immediate excitement of their participation, the Williams sisters’ return to Grand Slam doubles competition carries broader significance. Their partnership has long been a symbol of resilience, athletic excellence, and sibling synergy. Over the years, they have inspired countless young athletes, particularly women of color, to pursue tennis at the highest level.
Their presence on the court serves not only as a competitive challenge for other teams but also as a reminder of the sport’s evolving narrative toward greater inclusion and representation. Looking ahead, analysts predict that the Williams duo will bring a blend of power, strategic net play, and years of shared experience to the tournament.
While the competition in women’s doubles has grown increasingly deep, with emerging pairs showcasing remarkable athleticism and chemistry, the Williams sisters’ historic chemistry and ability to anticipate each other’s movements remain unmatched. Their past victories at Flushing Meadows, combined with their recent match practice in Cincinnati, suggest they could be serious contenders for another title. Fans can anticipate a schedule that includes a potential opening match on the early days of September, followed by a series of rounds that will test their stamina and coordination. The final, set for September 11, will likely draw a massive audience, both in the stadium and via streaming platforms, eager to witness whether the sisters can add another Grand Slam trophy to their storied collection.
In summary, the wild‑card entry granted to Serena and Venus Williams for the 2026 US Open women’s doubles marks a momentous occasion in tennis history. Their reunion on the hard courts of New York, after a brief competitive hiatus and a recent joint appearance in Cincinnati, promises to deliver high‑quality tennis, nostalgic reverence, and a powerful narrative of sibling partnership. Whether they capture the title or simply provide memorable moments, their participation underscores the enduring legacy of the Williams sisters in the sport.