New York
The magic is back under the lights of Flushing Meadows. In a breathtaking nod to tennis history, the United States Tennis Association announced Wednesday that Serena and Venus Williams have received a wild card to play doubles at the 2026 US Open.
For the first time since 2022, the most iconic sister duo in sporting history will grace the hard courts of New York together, turning back the clock for a tennis world that has sorely missed their collective brilliance.
The narrative feels like something out of a storybook.
For over two decades, the Williams sisters dictated the rhythm of the sport, capturing 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as an unbreakable unit.
Now, at 44 and 46 respectively, Serena and Venus are set to make their ninth joint appearance in the US Open doubles draw—the very tournament where they first lifted the trophy together in 1999, and again in 2009.
After Serena’s brief step back from competitive tennis following her emotional 2022 farewell, and a heartbreaking knee injury that derailed their planned Wimbledon reunion earlier this summer, this wild card feels less like a simple tournament entry and more like a triumph of resilience.
Serena will focus exclusively on the doubles format, bringing the momentum of a thrilling mixed-doubles quarterfinal run alongside Carlos Alcaraz.
Meanwhile, Venus balances the historic reunion with a wildcard run in the singles draw. When the main draw gets underway this Sunday, the atmosphere in New York will be electric. Seeing the legendary sisters line up on the same side of the net once more evokes pure nostalgia, reminding fans of an era defined by their dominance, grace, and unmatched sisterly bond.
The magic is officially back under the lights of Flushing Meadows as Serena and Venus Williams prepare to make their highly anticipated return to the US Open women's doubles draw. Following the United States Tennis Association's exciting announcement on Wednesday, the legendary sister duo will join forces on the hard courts of New York for the first time since 2022.
While the exact daily order of play, court assignments, and specific opponents will be locked in following the official tournament draw on Tuesday, September 1, the United States Tennis Association has established the structural timeline for the women's doubles competition.
The tournament progression maps out their path through Flushing Meadows:
Official Draw (Tuesday, September 1): The Williams sisters will learn their first-round opponents as the bracket is finalized.
First Round (Thursday, Sept. 3 – Friday, Sept. 4): The iconic duo will step onto the court together for their opening match of the tournament.
Second Round (Saturday, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 6): The round of 32 matches take place across the weekend.
Round of 16 (Monday, Sept. 7 – Tuesday, Sept. 8): The competition intensifies as teams battle for a spot in the final eight.
Quarterfinals (Wednesday, September 9): The remaining eight duos face off on the premier show courts.
Semifinals (Thursday, September 10): The final four showdowns will determine who books a ticket to the championship.
Finals (Friday, September 11): The tournament culminates with the Women's Doubles Championship match.
Fans keeping a close eye on the schedule should also note that Venus Williams received a wild card for the Women's Singles main draw, which gets underway earlier on Sunday, August 30. Her individual matches will alternate with the doubles schedule, meaning tennis enthusiasts will have multiple opportunities to witness the sisters in action throughout the opening week. (Agencies)
