US Open 2026: Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz return in mixed doubles - BBC Sport
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Mixed Doubles Sensation: Alcaraz and Williams
By Harry Poole, BBC Sport journalist
Published 9 hours ago
Enjoy it - and do what Serena Williams tells you to. That was Carlos Alcaraz's approach as he returned to competitive action at the US Open, partnering the American tennis legend after a four-year absence.
The revamped mixed doubles format has faced criticism for prioritizing singles stars over established double players, but the event drew a bustling crowd of approximately 15,000 fans to Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Alcaraz and Williams Thrill Fans in US Open Mixed Doubles
While Alcaraz, the seven-time major winner, had been out injured since April with a wrist injury, 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams was making her return to New York for the first time since "evolving away" from tennis in 2022.
The dynamic duo was greeted with cheers as they won their opening match 5-3, 4-1 against Great Britain's Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe.
Williams, who last won the US Open mixed doubles title in 1998 alongside Max Mirnyi (before Alcaraz was born), displayed her competitive spirit throughout the match, with both players smiling and encouraging each other during their triumph.
After the match, Alcaraz praised his partner: "I'm playing next to the one and only Serena Williams... just enjoy and do what she tells you."
Their partnership strengthened as they dominated the final sets, securing victory in eight of the last nine games. However, their run was ended in the quarter-finals by Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic of Italy/Switzerland (5-4 (7-4) 4-1).