Wild card pairing sets up Williams and Alcaraz for US Open mixed doubles
The USTA has issued a wild card entry for Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, marking a significant institutional decision that brings two high-profile athletes into the mixed doubles draw at Flushing Meadows.
The United States Tennis Association has granted a wild card entry to Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz for the upcoming US Open mixed doubles championship. This administrative decision places the pair directly into the main draw, which is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. The entry provides a structured pathway for both athletes to compete at the tournament, which is set to begin on 30 August.
For Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, the appearance represents her first competitive match at Flushing Meadows since 2022. Her return to the tour this summer has been marked by selective participation, including a withdrawal from Wimbledon due to a knee injury and a doubles campaign with her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open. The US Open holds particular historical significance for the American, who previously claimed the mixed doubles title in 1998 alongside Max Mirnyi.
Alcaraz, the defending men’s singles champion, is also returning to the competition after being sidelined since April with a right wrist injury. He announced earlier this week that he would attempt to defend his singles title, making his inclusion in the mixed doubles draw a dual commitment to the tournament. His presence adds a layer of strategic depth to his schedule as he navigates his recovery and competitive rhythm.
The mixed doubles field includes other notable pairings, reflecting the tournament’s broader competitive landscape. World No 1 Aryna Sabalenka is set to partner four-time US Open winner Novak Djokovic, while Jessica Pegula will team up with Taylor Fritz. These pairings were solidified following withdrawals by their previous teammates, Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina, respectively.
While the mixed doubles entry is confirmed, Williams’ participation in the singles draw remains undecided. The USTA is currently holding one women’s wild card for her, leaving the door open for a broader competitive commitment in New York. This pending decision underscores the ongoing negotiations between the athlete and the governing body regarding her tournament obligations.
The inclusion of high-profile names in the wild card category highlights the USTA’s strategy to ensure a competitive and marketable draw. By securing entries for players such as Williams, Alcaraz, and others, the organisation aims to maintain high engagement levels across the various disciplines of the tournament.
