Serena Williams is back at the US Open, playing mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz

Serena Williams returned to the U.S. Open after a four-year break and teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz, who had been sidelined by injury for the same duration. The mixed doubles duo received a warm welcome from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, evoking nostalgia for fans. Their first encounter was against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, who defeated the pair 5-4 (4), 4-1.

Cobolli praised Williams and Alcaraz as "the queen of tennis and the king of now". The duo bounced back from a slow start in the first round, defeating Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool 5-3, 4-1. Williams expressed surprise at her return to the court after four years, stating, "I never expected to be back on this court." Fans urged Williams and Alcaraz to continue their winning streak in women’s doubles alongside their sister Venus, a feat they achieved twice and won two U.S. Open doubles titles together.

Williams, now 44, does not plan to play singles. In their second mixed doubles appearance, the duo struggled against Bencic and Cobolli, ultimately losing 5-3, 4-1.