A potential mixed doubles shake-up is being discussed for the US Open, with tennis players Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz reportedly lined up as one of the headline pairings under consideration.
The revamped format for the tournament’s mixed doubles exhibition could also feature another high-profile duo involving tennis player Venus Williams and Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
The event is expected to include a 16-team field staged in the build-up to the main draw, with early rounds played in a shortened best-of-three format to four games, before switching to a traditional six-game set for the final.
The proposal has sparked debate within the tennis community, as some doubles specialists argue that the format places greater advantage in the hands of top singles players, potentially limiting opportunities for regular doubles competitors.
“Venus & Serena Williams will play doubles at Wimbledon with a wild card (their request has already been accepted). Fun fact. At the U.S. Open, things are heading toward a star-studded mixed doubles.
“Negotiations are underway to field, in New York, Venus paired with #Sinner and Serena paired with Carlos Alcaraz. The US Open will be Venus’s final appearance in New York before her official retirement,” Sky Sports’ Mangiante wrote via his X handle.
Should the plans materialise, the US Open—set for 31 August to 13 September, with mixed doubles scheduled for 19 to 20—could feature one of its most high-profile exhibitions in recent memory.
