Serena Williams is set to partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event at the upcoming U.S. Open, forming a formidable duo for the tournament. The U.S. Tennis Association revealed that Williams and Alcaraz received a wild card entry into the competition, which kicks off next Tuesday and offers a prize pool of $1 million US for the victorious pair.
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 professional tennis earlier this summer. Alcaraz expressed his excitement by posting on social media, tagging Williams and adding a motivational message.
While Williams won’t be participating in the singles event at the U.S. Open, she will be teaming up with Alcaraz for mixed doubles. The USTA had held a women’s wild card in anticipation of Williams possibly using it, but it was given to Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner. Following a knee injury at Wimbledon, Williams competed in doubles alongside her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open, and they might pair up for the U.S. Open as well.
Alcaraz, the two-time U.S. Open men’s champion and currently ranked No. 2, confirmed his return to defend his singles title after recovering from a wrist injury that had sidelined him since April. Notably, Williams already clinched a mixed doubles title at the U.S. Open in 1998 before winning any of her six singles titles there, underscoring her versatility on the court.
The mixed doubles tournament format has evolved, now featuring a two-day, 16-team structure aimed at attracting top singles players. The USTA made several updates to the field due to player withdrawals, including new pairings like Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz. Additional wild cards were awarded to complete the main draw, ensuring a competitive lineup for the tournament.
The U.S. Open mixed doubles competition is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of talent, with a diverse array of top players set to compete for the coveted title.
