Return to Court for Alcaraz and Williams

Carlos Alcaraz returned to the US Open court after nearly five months away from competition, partnering with six-time US Open women’s singles champion Serena Williams. Alcaraz admitted he was nervous before the first match, noting he double-faulted on the opening point. ‘I was out for almost five months and I almost forgot how it feels stepping out on the court once again,’ he said after their first-round win over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool (5-3, 4-1).

Williams, who has not competed in singles since Wimbledon, also reflected on her return to the Arthur Ashe Stadium. ‘It’s always amazing to be here, but I never expected to be back on this court,’ she said, acknowledging it was a ‘really cool moment.’

Partnership Shows Promise

The duo’s chemistry improved rapidly during their first match, as they won eight of the final nine games to secure the victory. Alcaraz credited Williams for helping him settle into the match: ‘She made it very easy for me to enjoy it and try to go for it.’

In their second match, Williams and Alcaraz were edged out by fourth seeds Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals (5-4 (7-4), 4-1). Despite the loss, the partnership was praised for its quick development and the entertainment it provided to the crowd. ‘I’m playing next to the one and only Serena Williams, so what else can I do? Just enjoy and try to do the things she told me to do,’ Alcaraz said during a change of ends.

Format Changes and Fan Response

The mixed doubles competition at the US Open has undergone a format change in its second year, aiming to spotlight singles stars and draw more fans. The matches are held in a standalone event the week before the singles draw, and the strategy proved a commercial success in its debut year, with sellout crowds and the participation of major stars like Djokovic and Sabalenka.

Williams’s return to Arthur Ashe Stadium was met with deafening cheers from the partisan crowd, who tried to rally behind her and Alcaraz in their quarter-final match. However, Bencic and Cobolli proved too strong. The mixed doubles format has drawn some criticism from doubles specialists who feel it marginalizes established pairings, but its ability to attract top singles players and fans has been a notable success.