Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz Set to Open US Open Mixed Doubles Against Qualifiers

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will begin one of the most anticipated campaigns of the 2026 US Open mixed doubles championship against a team emerging from Monday’s eight-team qualifying tournament, setting up an intriguing clash between two of tennis’ biggest stars and opponents with potentially greater doubles experience.

Williams and Alcaraz received a wild card into the 16-team field and will discover their first-round opponents after qualifying concludes. For Williams, the match marks her first competitive appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and six-time US Open winner is returning after a four-year break and recently partnered sister Venus Williams in Cincinnati, where they lost in the opening round. Serena also won the 1998 US Open mixed doubles title with Max Mirnyi.

Alcaraz brings a different advantage. The two-time US Open singles champion combines explosive movement, court coverage and recent experience at the highest level. Their partnership could therefore blend Williams’ powerful serve and doubles experience with Alcaraz’s athleticism and attacking game. However, their biggest challenge may be developing chemistry quickly against opponents who specialize in doubles.

The qualifying system was introduced to give doubles specialists a pathway into the revamped event after the previous star-focused format left many specialists largely excluded. That makes the opening matchup more competitive than the word “qualifier” suggests, with positioning, communication and net play potentially proving decisive.

The tournament uses a fast-paced format featuring short sets, no-ad scoring and a 10-point match tiebreak instead of a deciding third set, leaving little room for a slow start.

The field is packed with marquee names. Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic are the No. 1 seeds, while Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz are No. 2. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori will face Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev, while other notable teams include Svitolina-Monfils, Townsend-Zverev and Navarro-Paul.

The competition runs during Fan Week, with qualifying Monday, the first round and quarterfinals Tuesday, and the semifinals and final Wednesday. The champions will share a $1 million prize.

For Williams, it is a return to a tournament that defined her legacy. For Alcaraz, it is an unusual opportunity to partner one of tennis’ greatest champions. Their first test, however, will be against a qualifier that could bring doubles expertise and established chemistry to the court.