A New Chapter for Mixed Doubles
The 2026 US Open is set for a high-profile start as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed that 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams will partner with world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles championship. The pair received a wild card into the 16-team event, which runs from August 24 to August 26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
This marks a significant return for Williams, who has not competed at the US Open since 2022. The USTA’s decision to pair the legendary American with Alcaraz, the defending US Open men’s singles champion, highlights the organization’s strategy to bolster the profile of the two-day mixed doubles format. The winning team will share a $1 million prize.
Sinner Withdrawal Reshapes Men’s Singles
While the doubles field gains star power, the men’s singles bracket faces a major shift. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion, has officially withdrawn from the tournament due to a lingering right knee injury. Sinner, who had been a focal point of the men’s tour, has not competed since his victory at Wimbledon in July.
Sinner’s absence has triggered a reshuffling of the top seeds. Alexander Zverev moves to the No. 1 seed position, followed by Carlos Alcaraz at No. 2, Felix Auger-Aliassime at No. 3, and Novak Djokovic at No. 4. This change effectively separates Zverev and Alcaraz on opposite sides of the draw, ensuring they cannot meet until the championship final. For Djokovic, the withdrawal removes a primary rival, bolstering his pursuit of a 25th major singles title.
The Stakes of the Mixed Doubles Field
The mixed doubles championship has been redesigned as a 16-team, two-day sprint to attract top talent. Other notable pairings include world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic, and Jessica Pegula teaming with Taylor Fritz. The format employs no-ad scoring and a 10-point tie-break in lieu of a third set for all matches leading up to the final, emphasizing intensity and efficiency.