Serena Williams Returns to US Open for Mixed Doubles With Carlos Alcaraz

Serena Williams is coming back to Flushing Meadows, and she's bringing a two-time US Open champion with her.

Aug 17, 2026; Mason, OH, USA; Serena Williams waits for the serve from Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in their doubles match during the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The long-awaited announcement of Serena Williams’ participation in the US Open has finally happened, and the Williams and Alcaraz pairing has instantly become one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the final Slam of the year. Blending Alcaraz's current dominance with Williams' highly-anticipated return is guaranteed to put on a show for fans in New York.

The Wildcard Announcement

On Saturday, August 22nd, the USTA announced that Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz have been awarded a wildcard into the 2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. This pairs two of the sport's biggest names for a marquee run at the year's final Slam. It will mark Williams' first appearance at the US Open since 2022, when she played what was widely assumed to be the last tournament of her career.

The mixed doubles field is already stacked well beyond just Williams and Alcaraz. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will partner with Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz have re-paired after direct entry based on their combined singles ranking. Qualifying begins Monday, with the main draw split across Tuesday and Wednesday, and the winning team splitting a $1 million prize.

Alcaraz’s Reaction

Alcaraz didn't hold back his excitement once the pairing became official, posting on social media shortly after the announcement. "Let's gooooo!" Alcaraz wrote on X, tagging Williams alongside a fire emoji.

Let’s gooooo! 🔥 @serenawilliams https://t.co/8XErZUMXdi

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) August 22, 2026

The Spaniard confirmed just days earlier that he'll also return to singles competition in New York after missing four months with a wrist injury. Playing in the mixed doubles slot should allow him an opportunity to tune up before his singles title defense begins.

Williams' Long Road Back

Williams' path back to Flushing Meadows has been gradual. She returned to the tour this summer after nearly four years away, and was scheduled to play both singles and doubles at Wimbledon before withdrawing from her doubles match alongside sister Venus due to a knee injury. Earlier this month, she and Venus teamed up again at the Cincinnati Open, though the pair fell in the opening round.

Williams has not announced plans to play singles at this year's US Open. Fans had speculated that the USTA might award her the remaining women’s singles wildcard, but the tournament confirmed on Saturday that the spot would go to American Sofia Kenin instead.

What's at Stake in New York

The stakes are high for both Alcaraz and Williams at this year’s US Open, though for slightly different reasons. For Alcaraz, it's a chance to shake off rust before defending his singles title. For Williams, a five-time US Open women's singles champion and 1998 mixed doubles winner, it's a full-circle moment to prove she’s still got it, at a tournament where she’s made history before.