A Collision of Eras: Alcaraz and Williams Set for US Open Mixed Doubles Experiment
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The pairing of a returning Carlos Alcaraz and a resurgent Serena Williams transforms a mixed doubles exhibition into the most anticipated tactical clash at Flushing Meadows.
The US Open has announced a pairing that bridges two distinct generations of tennis dominance: Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams, as Sportsnet first reported. The duo will team up for mixed doubles action taking place from Monday through Wednesday, occurring one week prior to the start of the main draw.
For Alcaraz, 23, the event marks a significant return to competition. He secured his seventh major and a career Grand Slam by winning the 2026 Australian Open but has since been sidelined by a wrist injury. This exhibition will serve as his first tournament back.
Williams, 44, is a six-time US Open champion, with her most recent title at the event coming in 2014. The 23-time major winner returned to professional play this season, competing in women's doubles at the Queen's Club alongside Canada's Victoria Mboko and playing singles at Wimbledon, where she exited in the first round.
Other high-profile teams participating include former US Open winners Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as pairings featuring Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, and Frances Tiafoe and Leylah Fernandez of Canada. The field also includes Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex Eala, and the defending-champion Italian duo of Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani.