William Sisters likely to play mixed doubles with top ATP stars at US Open 2026 - Reports
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The US Open mixed doubles event pits top singles players against each other.
The tennis world got a shot of pure excitement as reports emerged that both Serena and Venus Williams are expected to participate at the US Open 2026, with the mouthwatering prospect of Serena partnering Carlos Alcaraz in the Mixed Doubles Challenge, and Venus teaming up with World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Tennis Channel analyst Jon Wertheim set the internet alight when he confirmed the broad outlines of what is shaping up to be one of the most marketable events in recent tennis history.
“Both are expected to be at the 2026 US Open, starting with the Mixed Doubles, perhaps Serena and Carlos Alcaraz, particularly if Alcaraz’s wrist is healed,” Wertheim said on Tennis Channel. Jim Courier, the former World No. 1, added: “Serena could probably find another partner.”
The Mixed Doubles Challenge, launched last year at Flushing Meadows, was a great success. Held a week before the main draw begins, the tournament pairs top ATP and WTA players in a shortened format.
Emma Raducanu was paired with Alcaraz in last year’s edition. This year, if negotiations go to plan, the Spaniard will change his partner, and the upgrade in headline value would be considerable.
The story picked up an extra layer of intrigue midweek when Alcaraz posted a series of training photos from the Carlos Alcaraz Academy in Spain, as he continues his recovery from a right wrist injury which has kept him sidelined since mid-April.
In the comments section, Serena Williams offered a short but loaded message: “They not ready,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote. Serena has previously admitted she is a “huge fan” of Alcaraz and actively roots for him.
However, there is a significant caveat to all of this. Both Williams and Alcaraz are currently managing injuries, and neither is guaranteed to be fit in time.
Alcaraz has not played a match since injuring his right wrist while defending his title at the Barcelona Open in April, an injury that forced him to miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
He is not on the entry list for the Canadian Open, leaving Cincinnati, which begins on August 13, as the possible return option before the US Open starts at the end of August.
Meanwhile, Serena made her long-awaited singles return at Wimbledon after nearly four years away from competitive tennis, only to suffer a fresh setback. She withdrew from the doubles draw alongside Venus due to a knee injury, which she picked him during her singles match.
Her coach Rennae Stubbs remains hopeful. “She intends to keep playing, the US Open as well,” Stubbs confirmed. She also revealed that Serena had whispered to her: “I would have won if I had a good knee.”
As for the Sinner-Venus pairing which has been floated alongside Serena-Alcaraz, journalist Angelo Mangiante reported that negotiations are underway to field Venus alongside Sinner, and that the US Open could be Venus’s final appearance in New York before her official retirement.
When will the US Open 2026 begin?
The US Open 2026 will begin on August 30.
Will the Williams sisters participate at the US Open 2026?
Serena and Venus Williams are expected to participate at the US Open 2026 mixed doubles.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.