Carlos Alcaraz injury comeback to feature surprise Serena Williams mixed doubles tie-up

Carlos Alcaraz will make a highly anticipated return to competitive tennis at the US Open after an absence of four and a half months, with the Spaniard set to join Serena Williams in a surprise mixed doubles partnership.

The US Open confirmed on Saturday that Alcaraz and American great Williams will compete together in the mixed doubles event, which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their appearance will bring together two of the most prominent figures in modern tennis shortly before the final Grand Slam tournament of the year begins.

The US Open is scheduled to take place from 30 August to 13 September, making the announcement particularly significant for Alcaraz as he prepares to return following his extended spell on the sidelines because of injury.

The tournament revealed the partnership using the slogan “Two champions… one team”, ending speculation about whether Alcaraz and Williams would appear alongside one another. Both players had hinted in recent days that they could be preparing a joint entry in the mixed doubles competition.

Williams had responded to a post announcing Alcaraz’s return to competition by writing: “Oh my God, I’m so excited to see this.. You guys aren’t ready yet”.

Alcaraz, who has won seven Grand Slam titles, replied with eye and hourglass emojis. The exchange appeared to suggest that a major announcement was imminent, although the nature of the planned appearance was not immediately confirmed.

Only two days later, the suggestion became official as the US Open announced that the pair would contest the mixed doubles event. The news has added an unexpected dimension to Alcaraz’s return, transforming it from a long-awaited comeback into one of the most notable storylines ahead of the tournament.

For Alcaraz, the event will mark his first appearance in four and a half months after injury interrupted his season. His status as one of the leading players in the world had already made his expected return a major talking point, but the partnership with Williams has generated further attention before the singles competition begins.

Williams is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of tennis and remains one of the sport’s most recognisable figures. Her inclusion alongside Alcaraz means the mixed doubles contest will feature a pairing combining one of the leading stars of the current game with one of its most celebrated legends.

The announcement also fulfils the hints exchanged publicly by the two players in the days leading up to it. What began with Williams’ enthusiastic reaction and Alcaraz’s cryptic reply has now become a confirmed appearance at the US Open, where their partnership will be one of the event’s main attractions before the final Grand Slam of the year gets under way.