Serena Williams returns to US Open with Alcaraz, exits in mixed doubles quarter-finals

Serena Williams, 44, returned to Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022, partnering Carlos Alcaraz — playing his first match since a wrist injury in April 2025 — in the US Open mixed doubles. About 15,000 packed Arthur Ashe for their opener, a 5-3 4-1 win. Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic ended their run in the quarter-finals, 5-4 (7-4) 4-1.