US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams team up

Carlos Alcaraz made his return to competitive tennis at the US Open 2026 by partnering with American legend Serena Williams, who made a dramatic return to her home Grand Slam following a four-year absence since 2022. The tournament's revamped mixed doubles format has faced criticism for favoring top singles players over seasoned doubles specialists, but it successfully drew massive attention.

A packed crowd of approximately 15,000 spectators filled Arthur Ashe Stadium to create a vibrant atmosphere for the marquee matchup. Williams, 44, previously won the US Open mixed doubles title in 1998 alongside Max Mirnyi—five years before Alcaraz was even born. Both players brought high energy and smiles to the court as they cheered each other on.

In their opening match, Alcaraz and Williams defeated Britain's Lloyd Glasspool and New Zealand's Erin Routliffe 5-3, 4-1. Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous and committing a double fault on the first point after nearly five months on the sidelines, but noted that Williams made it easy for him to settle in and enjoy the occasion.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

However, their run came to an end in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Italy's world number six Flavio Cobolli and Swiss partner Belinda Bencic defeated the star duo 5-4 (7-4), 4-1 to secure their spot in the next round, halting the momentum of the Spanish and American partnership.