A pair of the most prominent figures in tennis are set to join forces at the upcoming US Open next week.
Carlos Alcaraz, who has captured the US Open men’s singles title twice, and Serena Williams, a five-time women’s singles victor at the tournament, are entering the mixed doubles draw after being awarded a wildcard entry.
News of this high-profile partnership emerged shortly after Alcaraz declared his return to action following a four-month layoff caused by a wrist injury. Meanwhile, Williams made her comeback to competitive tennis this past June after a four-year retirement.
Together, Williams and Alcaraz boast an impressive tally of 46 Grand Slam championships across both singles and doubles events.
While it has been quite some time, Williams has a history of achievement in the mixed doubles format. Alongside Max Mirnyi, she claimed titles at both Wimbledon and the US Open back in 1998 as a 16-year-old, marking the initial Grand Slam triumphs of her legendary career. Additionally, she made it to the 1998 French Open final alongside Luis Lobo, as well as the 1999 Australian Open final with Mirnyi.
In the previous year’s US Open, Alcaraz competed in the mixed doubles event alongside Emma Raducanu. However, their campaign was cut short in the opening round with a straight-sets defeat to the tandem of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.
This powerhouse team will not be the sole star-studded pair in the bracket. Novak Djokovic is teaming up with women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, while the previous edition’s finalists, Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, are also set to return.
Action for the mixed doubles bracket kicks off this Monday with qualifying matches. The main draw is scheduled to commence on August 30, with the ultimate victors claiming a $1 million grand prize.
