What You Need to Know
• Serena Williams will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles at the US Open.
• The United States Tennis Association awarded Williams and Alcaraz a wild card entry into the tournament.
• The mixed doubles main draw begins on August 29, 2026, with a prize pool of $1 million.
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, will return to the US Open by teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz for mixed doubles. The United States Tennis Association announced on August 23, 2026, that Williams and Alcaraz received a wild card entry into the tournament, which begins on August 29. This will mark Williams’ first appearance at the US Open since 2022, as she has opted not to compete in singles this year. The USTA had previously reserved a wild card for her in singles, but it was ultimately awarded to Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion. Williams recently played doubles with her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open and may still join her for the US Open doubles event.
Why It Matters
This event is significant as it marks the return of Serena Williams to a major tournament after her hiatus from singles competition. Williams has a storied history at the US Open, having won a mixed doubles title in 1998 before her singles victories. The mixed doubles tournament format has been revamped to attract top players, making this collaboration with Alcaraz noteworthy. Alcaraz, a two-time US Open men’s champion, is also returning from injury, adding to the anticipation surrounding their partnership.
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