Williams, Alcaraz fall in US Open mixed doubles quarterfinal

The high-profile partnership of Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz concluded on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with a 5-7, 4-6 loss to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the US Open mixed doubles quarterfinals at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The defeat marked the end of a highly anticipated return for Williams, who had not competed at the tournament since her emotional retirement in 2022. Williams, 44, and Alcaraz, 23, had earlier shown promise in their opening round, defeating Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool 5-3, 4-1. The pair displayed an easy rapport, with Williams blasting a 120 mph ace during that first match. However, their momentum faltered against the Swiss-Italian duo of Bencic and Cobolli.