Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz to Headline US Open Mixed Doubles as Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper Withdraw

The tennis world is bracing for a series of major shifts at the US Open, marked by the high-profile return of Serena Williams to competitive play and the sudden withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner. Williams is set to partner with Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster mixed doubles pairing, providing a massive boost to the tournament's star power. However, this excitement is tempered by the loss of Sinner and Britain’s Jack Draper, both of whom have been forced to pull out of the competition due to lingering injury concerns, highlighting the physical demands of the current professional circuit.

Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal is particularly impactful given his status as the world’s top-ranked player and his reported victory at Wimbledon earlier this season. Sinner, who has been battling a persistent knee issue, expressed his deep frustration at being unable to compete on the New York stage. Joining him on the sidelines is Jack Draper, whose season continues to be plagued by a long-term arm injury. Draper has managed to play only a handful of matches over the past year, and his withdrawal further underscores the ongoing challenges top-tier players face in maintaining fitness throughout a grueling calendar.

Conversely, the return of Serena Williams marks a historic moment for the sport. After a four-year hiatus from the professional game, Williams will rejoin the competitive ranks for the mixed doubles event alongside Alcaraz, who is himself making a comeback from a wrist injury. While Williams will not participate in the singles draw—having been denied a wildcard in favor of Sofia Kenin—her schedule includes three doubles matches and a previous singles appearance at Wimbledon. The Williams-Alcaraz partnership is the centerpiece of a revamped mixed doubles format that features other heavyweight pairings, including Aryna Sabalenka with Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud.

As the tournament prepares to run its mixed doubles schedule ahead of the main singles draw, organizers are hopeful that these "super-pairings" and new rules will draw fresh attention to the format. While some doubles specialists have voiced concerns over the changes, the inclusion of the sport's biggest names has ensured that the lead-up to the event remains a focal point for global audiences. The contrasting news of legendary returns and unfortunate injury withdrawals sets a dramatic tone for this year’s competition at Flushing Meadows.