Serena and Venus Williams have secured a wild‑card entry to compete together in the women’s doubles competition at the 2026 US Open. This invitation marks their return to Grand Slam partnership after a brief reunion at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month, which was the first time the siblings faced off as a team in a major event since the 2022 US Open.
Their upcoming appearance at Flushing Meadows will be especially poignant, as it is the venue where they last captured a major doubles title together. Serena’s comeback to professional tennis has been nothing short of dramatic. After stepping away from the tour for nearly four years, she re‑emerged during the 2024 grass‑court season, showing flashes of her former dominance. Unfortunately, her return was cut short by a knee injury sustained in the first round of Wimbledon, which forced both sisters to withdraw from the doubles draw at the All England Club.
Despite the setback, Serena’s determination to compete at the highest level remains evident, and the wild‑card for the US Open gives her another chance to test her resilience on a big stage. While Serena is now 44, Venus, who turned 46 in June, continues to be the more active of the two on the tour. Over the past year she has entered a number of events in both singles and doubles, demonstrating that she still possesses the athleticism and competitive fire that have defined her career.
Her consistent participation has kept her match‑sharp, which will be invaluable as the sisters prepare to face the world’s best doubles teams in New York. The Williams duo has an illustrious record as a pair, having amassed 14 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals together. Their partnership has produced memorable moments for tennis fans worldwide, and they have previously lifted the US Open doubles trophy twice—first in 1999 and again in 2009.
The upcoming opening match for the pair is slated for either September 3 or September 4, with the women’s doubles final scheduled for September 11. Their presence adds a nostalgic yet exciting storyline to this year’s tournament, drawing attention from both long‑time followers and newer fans of the sport.
In addition to the doubles competition, Serena also took part in the high‑profile mixed doubles event at the US Open, partnering with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz. The pair captured the crowd’s imagination with an electrifying first‑round victory, though their run ended in the quarter‑finals. This mixed‑doubles appearance underscored Serena’s versatility and willingness to explore different formats, even as she contemplates a possible singles return.
Meanwhile, Venus received a separate wild‑card for the women’s singles draw, confirming her intent to compete in both disciplines. Speculation about Serena entering the singles field was quickly dispelled when Sofia Kenin was granted the final singles wild‑card over the weekend, effectively closing the door on a potential sister‑versus‑sister showdown in the main draw.
Both sisters have left an indelible mark on tennis history. Serena’s record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles stands as the most in the Open Era, while Venus has secured seven major singles crowns of her own. Their combined achievements have inspired countless young athletes and have helped elevate the profile of women’s tennis globally.
Fans looking to follow the action can stream the US Open and other tennis events via the NOW platform, and detailed coverage will also be available on Sky Sports, which holds broadcast rights for the tournament starting August 30. In addition to live matches, the network offers a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology, highlights, player interviews, and exclusive video content to enhance the viewing experience.
The Williams sisters’ return to the US Open doubles draw is more than just a nostalgic footnote; it represents a celebration of longevity, resilience, and the enduring bond between two of the sport’s most iconic athletes. As they step onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, they carry with them decades of experience, a treasure trove of championship memories, and the hopes of a new generation eager to witness greatness in action. Whether they capture another title or simply enjoy the competition, their participation will undoubtedly be one of the most talked‑about storylines of the 2026 US Open.