Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz received a wildcard to play in the US Open mixed doubles tournament beginning August 24, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The mixed doubles event runs from August 24 to 26, just before the singles draw starts [1].
Williams, 44, is making her competitive return after a four-year absence from tennis since 2022 [1, 2, 3]. She announced her comeback in June 2026 and has played three doubles matches since then, including a singles loss to Maya Jansen at Wimbledon [1, 2, 3]. Earlier this month, Serena and her sister Venus lost in doubles at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first tournament together since 2022 [1, 2, 3].
Williams holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including six at the US Open, and last won the US Open mixed doubles title in 1998 [2, 3]. Despite her lengthy break, she is returning to top-level competition with a high profile partner.
Carlos Alcaraz, the defending men’s singles champion at the US Open, will partner Williams in mixed doubles [1, 2, 3]. Other notable mixed doubles teams include Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic and Jessica Pegula paired with Taylor Fritz [1, 2, 3].
The mixed doubles format features shorter scoring with four-game sets before the final and a 10-point match tie-break instead of a full third set [1]. The format was revamped last year to include more singles players in mixed doubles draws, a change that has garnered criticism from doubles specialists [1].
Six mixed doubles pairs receive direct entry based on combined singles rankings, while eight pairs enter via wildcards, including Williams and Alcaraz [1].
The US Open mixed doubles matches are scheduled to take place August 24 through 26, just ahead of the singles events [1].
