Serena Williams is set to join forces with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event at the upcoming U.S. Open, forming a formidable partnership for the tournament. The U.S. Tennis Association confirmed that they have received a wild card entry into the competition, with the mixed doubles matches commencing on Tuesday and offering a prize of $1 million US to the winning duo.
This marks Williams’ return to the U.S. Open after her last appearance in 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made her comeback to the sport earlier this summer. Alcaraz expressed his excitement for the partnership by posting on social media with a message of enthusiasm and tagging Williams.
While Williams will not participate in the singles event in New York, the USTA had initially kept a wild card spot for her, which was ultimately awarded to Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner. Following a knee injury at Wimbledon, Williams competed in doubles at the Cincinnati Open alongside her sister Venus and may consider teaming up with her sibling at the U.S. Open.
Alcaraz, who has been sidelined due to a right wrist injury since April, confirmed his return to defend his U.S. Open singles title. Williams has a history of success in mixed doubles at the U.S. Open, having secured a title in 1998 alongside Max Mirnyi. The USTA revamped the mixed doubles tournament last year to attract more top singles players to the event.
Amid some player withdrawals, the USTA announced several updates to the field. Americans Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz will pair up, while Emma Navarro and Tommy Paul, along with Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, received wild card entries. Diana Shnaider will have the opportunity to find a new partner following Daniil Medvedev’s withdrawal.
The current field includes top players like Sabalenka, Djokovic, Swiatek, and others, forming strong partnerships for the tournament. Additional spots in the competition will be determined through a qualifying tournament, with wild cards awarded to selected teams. Traditional doubles specialists who missed out on the previous year’s event will also have a chance to compete based on their singles rankings.