Just when you thought the US Open couldn’t get any more interesting, Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz have decided to join forces.
The US Open announced Saturday that the two tennis superstars have received a wildcard to compete together in the mixed doubles tournament, creating one of the most unexpected pairings tennis fans could have imagined.
And yes — Serena is officially coming back to Flushing Meadows.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion hasn’t competed at the US Open since 2022. Her return alongside Alcaraz means fans will get to see one of the greatest players in tennis history share the court with one of the game’s biggest young stars.
Talk About a Power Couple 🎾👀
Alcaraz isn’t exactly a random choice for a partner either.
The Spaniard is the reigning US Open men’s singles champion, and he recently confirmed that he’ll return to New York to defend his title after recovering from a right wrist injury that kept him out since April.
Serena, meanwhile, has been slowly working her way back into competitive tennis after stepping away from the sport.
She returned to doubles action with sister Venus at Cincinnati earlier this month, although the pair lost in the opening round.
Now she gets another chance to compete on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
And the Numbers Are Crazy 🤯
Put Serena and Alcaraz together and you’re looking at a partnership with an incredible Grand Slam résumé.
Serena owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles and six US Open singles championships. She also won the US Open mixed doubles title back in 1998 with Max Mirnyi.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, has already built a major championship résumé of his own despite being just 23.
This isn’t just another mixed doubles team.
It’s a tennis legend teaming up with the face of the next generation.
And they’re not the only big names involved.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will team up with Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula will partner with Taylor Fritz.
The mixed doubles main draw begins Tuesday, August 25, with the semifinals and final scheduled for Wednesday.
One thing is already guaranteed:
Serena + Alcaraz is going to be appointment viewing.
