Four years after retiring from professional tennis, Serena Williams returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium at the U.S. Open, teaming with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. The duo won their opening match on Tuesday but were eliminated in the second match later that evening. Williams, who last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open, had previously won a mixed-doubles title in 1998 with Max Mirnyi.

The exhibition took place during Fan Week, a free event preceding the main tournament draw. Alcaraz's participation was complicated by a wrist injury, though he promised a return from a four-month break. Despite the loss, Williams thrilled the Queens crowd, marking a highly anticipated comeback to the hardcourt where she won six singles titles.

The mixed doubles competition continues, with the main draw's solo matches scheduled to begin on Sunday.