Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz Exit US Open Mixed Doubles After Star-Studded Return

The match ended 5-4(4), 4-1 in favor of Bencic and Cobolli, bringing an early conclusion to one of the most closely followed storylines of the opening days of this year's tournament. The match lasted 55 minutes.

Despite the loss, the appearance represented an important moment for both Williams and Alcaraz. Williams was making her competitive return to the US Open after last playing at the tournament in 2022, while Alcaraz was returning to competition following a period away from the tour because of a wrist injury.

A High-Profile Partnership

Williams and Alcaraz were among the biggest names in the mixed doubles field, making their partnership one of the most anticipated attractions of the tournament.

Williams, a six-time US Open singles champion and winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, returned to competitive tennis after stepping away from the sport following the 2022 US Open. Her appearance in New York added another notable chapter to one of the most successful careers in tennis history.

For Alcaraz, the tournament represented an opportunity to get back on court before beginning his US Open singles title defense. The Spanish star won the men's singles championship in 2025 and entered this year's tournament as one of the leading players in the men's field.

The partnership between the two players also brought together different generations of tennis. Williams' experience and accomplished career complemented Alcaraz's speed, athleticism and modern power game, creating an unusual but highly entertaining combination.

A Promising Start

Williams and Alcaraz began their mixed doubles campaign Tuesday with a victory over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool. They won the opening-round match 5-3, 4-1 in 58 minutes.

The pair initially faced some pressure, with Alcaraz losing his serve early in the match. They responded well, however, and quickly established control. Their combination of aggressive returning, powerful groundstrokes and strong court coverage allowed them to move into the quarterfinals.

The quick turnaround meant the pair had to compete again later the same day. Their quarterfinal opponents, Bencic and Cobolli, presented a stronger challenge and entered the contest as one of the established teams in the competition.

Bencic and Cobolli Take Control

The quarterfinal remained competitive early, but Bencic and Cobolli eventually created the decisive opening.

The first set was decided by a tiebreak after neither team was able to establish a clear advantage during the regular games. Bencic and Cobolli handled the crucial points more effectively and took the opening set.

They then carried that momentum into the second set. The fourth-seeded team broke away from Williams and Alcaraz and eventually secured the victory without needing a deciding match tiebreak.

The result sent Bencic and Cobolli into the semifinals, while Williams and Alcaraz's mixed doubles campaign ended after just two matches.

A Different Look at the US Open

The mixed doubles competition is receiving particular attention this year because of its streamlined format and the participation of several high-profile singles players.

The event brings together prominent men's and women's players in a compact tournament designed to provide fast-paced matches during the opening days of the US Open.

Unlike traditional Grand Slam doubles, the competition uses shorter sets and no-ad scoring during the early rounds. Matches are designed to move quickly, creating a different experience for both players and spectators.

The format has also allowed fans to watch established singles stars compete alongside or against players they do not normally encounter in their regular tours.

Other notable partnerships in the tournament include teams featuring Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils.

What the Result Means

Although Williams and Alcaraz did not reach the semifinals, their participation gave the opening stages of the tournament one of its most recognizable moments.

For Williams, the competition provided another opportunity to return to the environment where she achieved some of her greatest career successes. Her six US Open singles titles remain a defining part of her legacy at the tournament.

For Alcaraz, the matches offered valuable court time as he prepared for the demands of the men's singles competition. His return is particularly significant because he entered the tournament seeking to defend the championship he won the previous year.

For Bencic and Cobolli, meanwhile, the victory represents a major step toward the mixed doubles title. Their experience as a partnership helped them remain composed during the decisive moments against two of the tournament's biggest names.

The Road Ahead

Williams and Alcaraz's mixed doubles campaign may be over, but the 2026 US Open continues with the singles competitions still to come.

The early mixed doubles exit means attention will now shift toward Alcaraz's singles title defense and the remaining stages of the women's and men's tournaments. Bencic and Cobolli will continue their pursuit of the mixed doubles championship in the semifinals.

The result also demonstrates the unpredictable nature of mixed doubles. Even a partnership featuring two globally recognized champions can be eliminated quickly when facing a well-established team in a short-format competition.

For tennis fans, Williams and Alcaraz's brief run provided a unique opportunity to see two stars from different generations share the court. While their tournament ended earlier than many expected, their appearance became one of the most notable moments of the opening day of the 2026 US Open mixed doubles competition.