Tennis fans are eagerly anticipating a major 2026 US Open mixed doubles first-round clash between American legend Serena Williams and Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz and the New Zealand-British pairing of Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.

The match takes place on Tuesday, August 25, attracting significant attention as Williams returns to the US Open courts for the first time since 2022, while Alcaraz begins his mixed doubles campaign ahead of his singles tournament.

Serena Williams Returns to the US Open

Serena Williams is one of the biggest attractions in the mixed doubles competition as the American tennis legend returns to the US Open after her last appearance in 2022.

Williams is competing only in mixed doubles at the 2026 tournament and will not participate in the women's singles draw.

Her return adds a special dimension to the competition, given her extraordinary history at the US Open and her status as one of the most successful players in tennis history.

Alcaraz Begins His New York Campaign in Mixed Doubles

Carlos Alcaraz will team up with Serena Williams in mixed doubles before beginning his singles campaign at the tournament.

The Spanish star's participation gives him an opportunity to return to competitive action and gain match rhythm before turning his attention to the singles competition.

Alcaraz will be looking to make a strong start in New York as he prepares for the challenge of defending his singles title.

Routliffe and Glasspool Provide a Tough Challenge

The Williams-Alcaraz partnership faces a difficult first-round test against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.

Routliffe has considerable experience in doubles and has enjoyed success at major tournaments, including winning the US Open women's doubles title.

Glasspool also brings significant doubles experience, making the opening match a serious test for the American-Spanish pairing.

Sabalenka and Djokovic Face Siniakova and Patten

Another high-profile mixed doubles clash features Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka and Serbian champion Novak Djokovic against Czech player Katerina Siniakova and Britain's Henry Patten.

The matchup has attracted considerable attention because of the quality and reputation of all four players.

Sabalenka and Djokovic form one of the most recognizable partnerships in the mixed doubles field, bringing together two major names from the singles game.

Sabalenka and Djokovic Get New Opponents

Sabalenka and Djokovic were initially scheduled to face Canadian Leylah Fernandez and American Frances Tiafoe.

However, the matchup changed after Tiafoe withdrew from the mixed doubles competition following his loss to French player Arthur Fils in the Cincinnati final.

The change resulted in a new first-round challenge for Sabalenka and Djokovic, who will now face Siniakova and Patten.

2026 US Open Mixed Doubles Schedule

The 2026 US Open mixed doubles competition is being held from August 24 to August 26.

The first round and quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, while the semifinals and final will take place on Wednesday, August 26.

The event features several of the biggest names in international tennis, making the mixed doubles competition one of the most anticipated parts of the tournament.

Serena Williams and Alcaraz Form a Star-Studded Partnership

The partnership between Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz brings together the experience of one of the greatest players in tennis history with the ambition of one of the sport's leading stars.

Their match has generated major interest, particularly because Williams' return to the US Open adds a special sense of occasion to the tournament.

For Alcaraz, the mixed doubles competition offers an opportunity to gain competitive rhythm before beginning his singles campaign and continuing his pursuit of success on the biggest stages.

When will Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz play?

They will play on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in the first round of the mixed doubles competition.

Who are Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz facing?

They will face Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.

Is Serena Williams playing singles?

No. Her participation in the 2026 US Open is limited to mixed doubles.

Who will Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic face?

They will face Katerina Siniakova and Henry Patten.

When is the mixed doubles final?

The final is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026.