Williams Sisters to Compete in US Open Doubles Together After Four Years

New Delhi, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: Venus and Serena Williams will play doubles together at the US Open in their first Grand Slam outing as a pairing for four years.

The American greats, two-time winners of the women's doubles title in New York, were handed a wildcard entry by the United States Association (USTA). This decision reflects not only the sisters' illustrious careers but also the USTA's desire to celebrate their contributions to the , especially as they approach the twilight of their professional careers.

The last time the Williams sisters teamed up at a Grand Slam was at the 2022 US Open, which held significant emotional weight as it was Serena's final tournament before she announced her decision to "evolve away" from professional . This phrase has become synonymous with her retirement, marking the end of an era in women's as she steps back from the that she has dominated for decades alongside her sister. Their partnership has been one of the most successful in history, and their absence from the doubles scene has left a noticeable gap in the tournament landscape.

Serena made her return to the court in doubles at Queen's in June, a tournament that traditionally serves as a warm-up for Wimbledon. However, her performance there was marred by a knee injury she sustained during her first-round match against Australia's Maya Joint, resulting in a loss with scores of 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3. This injury subsequently ruled her out of the women's doubles event at Wimbledon, where she was expected to partner with Venus. The injury has raised concerns about her physical condition and ability to compete at the highest levels, especially given her age and the physical demands of the .

Venus, at 46 years old, has also faced her share of challenges on the WTA Tour, participating in singles and doubles sporadically over recent years. Her resilience and commitment to the remain commendable, and her ability to compete at this level is a testament to her enduring talent and passion for . The sisters reunited at the Cincinnati Open in August, where they faced Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns, but were unable to secure a win, losing in three sets. This match served as a reminder of the competitive landscape in women's , where younger players are continually emerging and challenging established stars.

In addition to their upcoming doubles appearance, Serena participated in the US Open mixed doubles competition alongside Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. They won their opening match but were eliminated in the quarter-finals, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament even in mixed formats. Meanwhile, Venus has also been granted a wildcard for the singles draw, which begins on Sunday, 30 August, allowing her another opportunity to showcase her skills on a grand stage.

Throughout their careers, Serena and Venus have amassed an impressive 14 major doubles trophies together, with their last title coming at Wimbledon in 2016. Their dominance in doubles is underscored by the fact that they have never lost a major doubles final together, a remarkable achievement that speaks to their synergy and understanding on the court. This upcoming US Open will mark only their third appearance together at a Grand Slam since their last title run, following their participation at the French Open in 2018 and the US Open in 2022.

Historically, the Williams sisters made their mark in New York by winning their second Grand Slam doubles title together in 1999, a victory that helped to elevate their status in the . They repeated this feat ten years later, further solidifying their legacy as one of the most successful teams in history. Their ability to compete at a high level, even after years of dominating the individually and as a pair, serves as an inspiration to many young athletes.

The sisters are set to begin their tournament on either Thursday, 3 September, or Friday, 4 September. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating their performance, as the Williams sisters have always drawn significant attention and support from the community. Their participation not only brings excitement but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of their contributions to the over the years.

Last year, Venus and her partner, Canada's Leylah Fernandez, reached the quarter-finals of the women's doubles at Flushing Meadows, where they were ultimately defeated by the top-seeded duo of Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend. This previous performance underscores the competitive nature of the tournament and the high stakes involved. As the Williams sisters prepare for their upcoming matches, the world watches closely, hoping to witness another chapter in their storied careers.

In conclusion, the return of Venus and Serena Williams to the US Open doubles competition is a significant event in the world of . It not only marks a reunion of one of the 's most iconic partnerships but also highlights the ongoing evolution of their careers as they navigate the challenges of age, injuries, and the emergence of new talent. As they step onto the court once more, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of fans who have followed their journey for decades, eager to see if they can once again capture the magic that has defined their legacy.