US Open mixed doubles 2026: Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz given wildcard draw
BBC • • sports
Key Points:
- Serena Williams will partner with Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open mixed doubles, marking a high-profile pairing with a combined 44 Grand Slam titles.
- Williams recently returned to tennis after a four-year hiatus and has played a few doubles matches and a singles comeback at Wimbledon, while Alcaraz is returning from a wrist injury.
- The US Open mixed doubles format was revamped last year to include more singles stars to boost attention, featuring a shorter scoring system and a condensed schedule just before the main singles draw.
- Only a few doubles specialist pairs, including defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, received direct wildcards; most teams, including top-ranked singles players, must qualify through an eight-team qualifying round.
- Other notable mixed doubles teams include Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic, Jessica Pegula with Taylor Fritz, and Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, highlighting the tournament's focus on marquee singles players.
