Williams and Alcaraz to play US Open mixed doubles

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz are set to compete in the US Open mixed doubles this week. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made a return to tennis four years ago, playing three doubles matches since her singles comeback at Wimbledon. Alcaraz, a seven-time major winner, will play for the first time in over four months after recovering from a wrist injury.

The pair, who have amassed a combined 44 singles and doubles Grand Slams, have received a wildcard into the main draw of the competition. The US Open mixed doubles format, revamped last year, now includes singles stars in an attempt to draw more attention to the event. The top six pairs based on combined singles rankings have received direct entry, while eight others receive wildcards and must go through an eight-team qualifying round.

Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the sole doubles specialist pairing to secure a main-draw wildcard. High-profile pairings include world number one Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic, Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz, and six-time major champion Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud. Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils will also compete in the French player's final Grand Slam before retirement.

The tournament, which runs from 24-26 August, has been shortened with only four games needed to win a set in matches before the final, with no 'advantage' scoring and 10-point match tie-breaks instead of a third set. Doubles specialists Errani and Vavassori defended the move, but ended up winning the title. Williams and Alcaraz's partnership is seen as a way to ease back into the game following injuries, offering a competitive environment to assess their fitness and improve their rhythm.