The United States Tennis Association has officially announced that tennis icons Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will form a dynamic duo in the mixed doubles event at the 2026 US Open. This highly anticipated partnership, rumored for weeks, was confirmed with the granting of a wild card entry. Both athletes bring formidable experience and talent to the court, promising an exciting competition for fans.
This year's mixed doubles tournament features a star-studded 16-team lineup, including several top-ranked singles players. The format, designed to be swift and engaging, includes shortened sets and tie-breaks to ensure rapid-fire action, drawing in major names from both the men's and women's tours. The competition kicks off with qualifying rounds on Monday, August 24th, leading to the semifinals and finals on Wednesday, August 26th.
Serena Williams' Return and Alcaraz's Comeback
Serena Williams, a tennis legend with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, is set to make her return to the US Open, an event she last competed in back in 2022. While she won't be participating in singles this year, her inclusion in mixed doubles marks a significant moment for her comeback. Having previously won the mixed doubles title in 1998 with Max Mirnyi, Williams is no stranger to success in this format. Her participation alongside Alcaraz offers a compelling narrative, blending her experience with his youthful prowess.
Carlos Alcaraz, the current world No. 2 and reigning US Open men's singles champion, is making his competitive return following a right wrist injury that sidelined him since April. His pairing with Williams in mixed doubles serves as an essential stepping stone for his singles title defense. This opportunity allows Alcaraz to gain crucial match practice and re-establish his rhythm on court before embarking on his primary goal of retaining his singles crown. His enthusiasm for the partnership is evident, as he expressed his excitement on social media, making this collaboration one of the most talked-about storylines of the tournament.
A Star-Studded Mixed Doubles Lineup
The 2026 US Open mixed doubles tournament boasts an impressive roster of tennis elites, making it a must-watch event. Beyond the celebrated pairing of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, the field includes other powerhouse teams such as Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and the defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. American hopefuls Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz will also team up, adding to the competitive depth, alongside Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, and Amanda Anisimova and Learner Tien.
This year's format is specifically tailored to enhance excitement and attract top singles players. Matches in the initial stages feature sets to four games with no-ad scoring and a 10-point tiebreak instead of a full deciding set. The championship match retains the no-ad scoring and 10-point tiebreak but expands to a best-of-three-set contest, ensuring a thrilling climax. This innovative structure ensures fast-paced action and high-stakes tennis from start to finish, culminating in a shared prize of $1 million for the winning team.