Williams Returns to US Open with Alcaraz, Wins First Match Before Quarterfinal Exit

Serena Williams made her return to Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since 2022, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. They won their opening match against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, but lost in the quarterfinals to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. Williams said she never expected to be back on that court.

Williams' appearance marked her first competitive match at the venue in roughly four years, with her limited recent activity including summer tune-up events. The pairing with Alcaraz brought together two generations of champions, with the younger Spaniard returning from a four-month wrist layoff.

The partnership produced an opening-round victory before the duo fell to Bencic and Cobolli in the quarterfinal stage. Alcaraz acknowledged feeling nervous alongside the 23-time major winner, crediting her with helping him settle into the match. Elsewhere in the tournament, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka also suffered doubles defeats, while Roger Federer dismissed comeback speculation.