Carlos Alcaraz teams up with Serena Williams for a comeback at the 2026 US Open.

The 2026 US Open will feature one of the most highly anticipated pairings in the mixed doubles category. Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz will team up with American tennis legend Serena Williams for this Grand Slam tournament held in New York.

The Alcaraz-Williams pairing is one of the final three duos awarded a wildcard entry into the main draw of the 2026 US Open mixed doubles competition.

This announcement was delivered by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), as cited from the official ATP website on Sunday, 23 August 2026.

This cross-generational star collaboration is set to become one of the biggest special attractions at Flushing Meadows. Alcaraz currently remains among the world's top ranked players, while Williams holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

For Alcaraz, this opportunity to compete in mixed doubles also forms part of his professional comeback after an extended break due to injury.

Alcaraz Returns After Injury Layoff

The 2026 US Open will be Alcaraz's first tournament appearance after being sidelined for approximately four months with a right wrist injury.

The 23-year-old athlete sustained this injury during his match against Finnish player Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open tournament last April.

Alcaraz has confirmed he is fully ready to compete at the 2026 US Open. He will not only contest the mixed doubles event alongside Serena Williams, but also enter the singles draw to defend the championship title he won last year.

Alcaraz's presence in New York has become one of the main talking points of the tournament. Having completed his full rehabilitation period, he will once again face fierce competition on the Grand Slam stage.

Meanwhile, his mixed doubles partner carries an equally remarkable record. Serena Williams boasts an outstanding career with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including six US Open trophies.

Williams originally announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2022. However, the former world number one returned to public attention after competing in the Wimbledon singles draw earlier this season.

Over the last two months, Williams has also participated in three separate doubles tournaments, building match fitness ahead of her partnership with Alcaraz at the 2026 US Open.

US Open Mixed Doubles Wildcard Recipients

Alongside Alcaraz and Williams, the USTA has awarded wildcard entries to several other pairings for the mixed doubles main draw.

Tommy Paul will partner Emma Navarro, while Jakub Mensik will team up with Karolina Muchova. Both pairings have also received direct entry into the main tournament round.

Meanwhile, Taylor Fritz will compete alongside Jessica Pegula. This pairing was finalised after both players' original planned partners withdrew from the competition.

For the qualifying rounds, wildcard entries were granted to the pair of Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva, as well as Christian Harrison and Peyton Stearns.

The 2026 US Open mixed doubles main draw matches are scheduled to be held on Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 26 August. All matches will take place at the Flushing Meadows tennis complex in New York.

Alcaraz Competes As Defending Champion

Alcaraz enters the 2026 US Open with defending champion status. Last year, the Spanish player successfully lifted the tournament trophy after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final match.

Now making his return from injury, Alcaraz will attempt to retain his title. Alongside his bid for success in the singles event, his appearance alongside Serena Williams in mixed doubles has become one of the most anticipated matchups of the entire tournament.

Meanwhile, the 2026 US Open singles main draw matches are scheduled to commence on 30 August in New York, United States.