Serena and Venus Williams Set for U.S. Open

Mixed Doubles Plans and Partner Speculation

Serena, the 44‑year‑old GOAT of women’s tennis, is expected to compete in Mixed Doubles at the 2026 U.S. Open on Aug. 25‑26, possibly paired with Carlos Alcaraz, and she may also enter women’s doubles and singles. Her coach Rennae Stubbs said, “Her intention is to keep playing; the U.S. Open as well,” per The U.S. Sun. Serena added, “As long as physically she can go – and I’m hoping in a few weeks that’s the case – to get her back on the court and hitting balls.” Venus, 46, is slated to at least play Mixed Doubles as well. Commenting on the potential pairing, Jon Wertheim noted, “Both are expected to be at the 2026 U.S. Open, starting with the Mixed Doubles, perhaps Serena and Carlos Alcaraz, particularly if Carlos Alcaraz’s wrist is healed.” Alcaraz, currently world No. 3 behind two‑time Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner and French Open champion Alexander Zverev, has been sidelined since mid‑April with an inflamed tendon sheath injury in his right wrist, leaving his availability for the Open uncertain.

Warm‑up Tournaments on the Summer Slate

Venus has secured a wildcard into the D.C. Open, which kicks off July 25, and she defeated 2022 NCAA singles champion Peyton Stearns 6‑3, 6‑4 there a year ago. Following D.C., both sisters could return for the National Bank Open in Toronto from Aug. 2‑13, with Wertheim reporting, “I’m told Venus will be back in Toronto and Serena is expected to be there as well though it’s uncertain whether it will just be for singles or for doubles and singles.” He added, “I’m told that the Williams’ sisters will see how they feel, Cincinnati is entirely possible as a next stop.” The Cincinnati Open runs Aug. 11‑23 and is billed as the biggest warm‑up tournament for the U.S. Open. Jim Courier chimed in, “Come on, ladies, come on down [to Cincinnati].” Should Alcaraz be unable to heal in time, Courier joked, “Serena could probably find another partner.”

Wimbledon Return and Injury Impacts

Serena made a comeback to singles at Wimbledon after nearly four years away, only to lose in the first round to Maya Joint. Stubbs reflected that, were it not for the knee injury, she believes Serena would have advanced. The sisters were slated to play doubles at Wimbledon but were forced to withdraw because of Serena’s right knee problem. Stubbs recalled, “She did whisper to me, ‘I would have won if I had a good knee.’” She also mentioned that leading up to the tournament, Serena was playing practice sets and beating players still in the draw, though she kept the opponents’ names private to avoid embarrassment, noting she was playing well.

The piece first appeared on Forbes.com.