Serena Williams will partner Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open mixed doubles after receiving a wildcard for the main draw. The pairing brings together two major tennis stars returning from injury or absence, and is likely to draw significant attention to a format redesigned to feature leading singles players.

Williams returned in June after four years away and has played three doubles matches, while Alcaraz is due back after more than four months out with a wrist injury. The tournament runs from 24 to 26 August, ahead of the singles event, using shortened scoring; Williams and Alcaraz join notable pairings including Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, while many doubles specialists must qualify.