Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz exit US Open mixed doubles in quarter-finals
Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz’s highly anticipated mixed doubles partnership ended in the quarter-finals at the US Open, falling to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli 5-4(4), 4-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, reports BritPanorama.
Despite the defeat, both players noted the uniqueness of their experience together. Alcaraz expressed his pleasure in having partnered with Williams, stating, “I feel great. Even if I lost, playing with her, I’m feeling amazing,” as they reflected on the match.
Williams chimed in with a playful remark about their performance, saying, “We won! We won one, we lost one,” indicating a light-hearted approach to the competition. The 44-year-old returned to the US Open for the first time since 2022, while Alcaraz was making a comeback after a wrist injury sidelined him in April.
The pair opened their campaign with a convincing victory over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, winning 5-3, 4-1. However, the quarter-final match proved challenging as Cobolli’s decisive returning allowed his team to gain the upper hand, securing the only service break in the contest.
Reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz admitted to feeling nervous, especially after a double fault on the opening point. “I was really, really nervous,” he said, acknowledging the significance of stepping back onto the court alongside a player of Williams’s caliber. For her part, Williams stated their shared goal was to enjoy the moment: “To play with Carlos is honestly so cool. We’re just out here having fun.”
The eventual victors, Bencic and Cobolli, advanced to the semi-finals, still in pursuit of a substantial winners’ cheque. For Williams, the tournament marked a poignant chapter in her return to competitive tennis, four years after her last appearance at the event.
Looking ahead, Williams will not continue in the women’s singles draw, with speculation regarding a potential doubles match featuring her sister Venus. Meanwhile, Alcaraz is gearing up to defend his title in the men’s singles, with the upcoming draw announcement expected soon.
As we reflect on this collaboration between two tenis titans, it’s a reminder of how the sport can bridge generations, showcasing talent and camaraderie amidst competition. In the end, it’s not just about titles won, but the shared moments that linger long after the scoreline is settled.
