Nearly four years after retiring, Serena Williams is back on a competitive tennis court. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made her return in June 2026 and now competes in the mixed doubles championship at the US Open alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
## From Retirement to Flushing Meadows
Williams stepped away from professional tennis in 2022 following her run at the US Open, a tournament she won six times. Her decision to return, even in a mixed doubles capacity, has generated some of the biggest buzz of the tournament’s opening week.
## Why the Pairing Matters
– Teaming with Alcaraz, who is himself managing an injury comeback in singles, adds star power to the event’s Fan Week
– Williams’ return draws attention from casual fans who may not otherwise follow early-round doubles matches
– Her presence adds a link between tennis eras, echoing storylines around Aryna Sabalenka’s bid to match her three-peat feat
## Legacy on the Line
Williams built her legacy on dominance in Arthur Ashe Stadium, and any appearance there now carries nostalgic weight. Her partnership with Alcaraz is not expected to be a deep title run, but its cultural impact on the tournament’s opening days is already significant, drawing comparisons to past legends who returned briefly for exhibition-style events.
## The Takeaway
Whether or not Williams and Alcaraz advance far in mixed doubles, her comeback reinforces just how much star power still surrounds her name. For a look at how Sabalenka’s own title chase compares to Williams’ historic US Open run, check our coverage of her three-peat bid. Williams has given no indication this signals a fuller return to competitive tennis, but for now, fans get one more chance to see her compete in New York.