Recovering from a wrist injury, seven-time major champion Alcaraz participated in his first competitive event since April, while 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams made her return to New York courts for the first time since stepping away from professional tennis in 2022.
Enthusiastic spectators warmly welcomed the duo, providing passionate support throughout their initial 5-3, 4-1 triumph over Great Britain’s Lloyd Glasspool and New Zealand’s Erin Routliffe.
The 44-year-old Williams previously captured the US Open mixed doubles trophy in its traditional setup alongside Max Mirnyi back in 1998—five years before Alcaraz was even born.
Nearly three decades after that victory, Williams’ competitive fire burned just as brightly. Both she and Alcaraz thoroughly embraced the match, competing with visible joy and celebrating together after securing each point.
Speaking during a court changeover, Alcaraz remarked: “Since I am sharing the court with the legendary Serena Williams, my only choice is to have fun and attempt to execute whatever instructions she gives me.”
Their synergy grew rapidly during their debut match, as they captured eight of the last nine games to secure the win.
Even so, their bid for a spot in Wednesday’s semifinals was cut short by Italian world number six Flavio Cobolli and his Swiss partner Belinda Bencic, who secured a 5-4 (7-4), 4-1 victory.
