Serena-Alcaraz Dream Run Ends as Star Duo Crash Out of US Open Mixed Doubles

The much-anticipated return of Serena Williams to the US Open had everything fans could have hoped for, nostalgia, star power and flashes of vintage brilliance. But her unexpected mixed-doubles partnership with Carlos Alcaraz came to an early end on Tuesday.

The star-studded duo were beaten by Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli 5-4 (4), 4-1 in the quarterfinals, bringing the curtain down on a brief but memorable reunion between one of tennis’ greatest champions and its current generation of superstars.

Williams, 44, was making her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2022, while Alcaraz was returning to competitive tennis after nearly four months away because of a right wrist injury. The Spaniard, ranked third in the world and the defending US Open champion, admitted he was nervous and rusty.

“I double-faulted on the first point,” Alcaraz said, acknowledging how unusual it felt to return after missing the French Open and Wimbledon.

Their first-round victory had created a carnival-like atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, with fans firmly behind the duo. Williams produced several trademark shots that evoked memories of her prime, while Alcaraz gradually found his rhythm.

But against Bencic and Cobolli, the magic lasted only so long. The pair narrowly lost the opening-set tiebreak before being overwhelmed in the second set.

For their opponents, sharing the court with two global tennis icons was almost as surreal as the result itself. Cobolli had described Williams and Alcaraz before the match as “the queen of tennis and the king of now.”

Williams’ brief comeback has nevertheless raised another intriguing possibility: a return to women’s doubles with sister Venus. The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including two US Open crowns.

Serena has made clear she will not return to singles, but her appearance this week has already added another unforgettable chapter to her extraordinary US Open legacy.

The revamped mixed-doubles event, designed to attract the sport’s biggest names, will award $1 million to the champions. The semifinals feature Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev, and Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik, alongside Bencic and Cobolli.