When tournament officials at Flushing Meadows finalized the mixed doubles main draw, they produced a marquee partnership that captured global attention: 44-year-old icon Serena Williams pairing alongside Carlos Alcaraz. Entering the event on a wildcard, the cross-generational duo combined Williams’s historic credentials—23 Grand Slam singles crowns, six US Open singles titles, and a 1998 mixed doubles championship won alongside Belarus’s Max Mirnyi—with Alcaraz’s status as the sport's premier young force. For Alcaraz, who entered New York after overcoming a wrist injury suffered in mid-April, the mixed doubles appearance ran parallel to a dominant singles run that culminated in a four-set victory over Jannik Sinner to claim the silver trophy and regain the ATP World No. 1 ranking.
Marquee Wildcards and Main Draw Allocation
The decision to grant Williams and Alcaraz a direct pathway into the mixed doubles draw came alongside several notable selections by tournament organizers. Czech pairing Jakub Menšík and Karolína Muchová were also awarded a main-draw wildcard. However, the allocation highlighted stark administrative trade-offs across the entry sheet. Despite holding top rankings in their respective disciplines, women's doubles World No. 1 Kateřina Siniaková and men's doubles World No. 1 Henry Patten failed to secure direct entry into the main mixed doubles draw, forcing the elite pairing into qualifying.
For Williams, the wildcard appearance marked the latest chapter in a high-profile summer return. After stepping away from competitive action following the 2022 US Open, Williams ended a four-year hiatus in June 2026 at Wimbledon, where her comeback ended in the opening round. Prior to arriving in New York, Williams competed at the WTA event in Cincinnati, partnering her elder sister Venus Williams in a first-round doubles loss. While organizers maintained an unassigned singles wildcard for the former World No. 1, her mixed doubles union with Alcaraz ensured captivating viewing on the New York courts.
Alcaraz Overpowers Sinner in Four-Set Final
On Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz translated his momentum into singles dominance, defeating defending champion and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner 6:2, 3:6, 6:1, 6:4 in two hours and 42 minutes. Aside from a second-set stumble, the Spaniard delivered an exceptional serving performance and tactical control to avenge his Wimbledon final loss against the Italian. By capturing the title, Alcaraz added a sixth Grand Slam trophy to a resume that already featured this season's Roland Garros crown and his previous New York victory, while improving his head-to-head record against Sinner to 10:5.
The loss halted Sinner’s pursuit of a third major title in 2026 and denied him the opportunity to become the first male player since Roger Federer in 2008 to successfully defend a US Open singles crown. After Alcaraz controlled a one-sided opening set, Sinner responded in the second to claim the first set surrendered by Alcaraz during the entire tournament. However, Sinner’s surge proved short-lived. The Italian had to work frantically to avoid a bagel in the third set before dropping it 1:6, and Alcaraz held firm throughout the fourth set to seal the victory.
Trophy Stage Speeches and Rivalry Respect
Following the final point, legendary Czech champion Ivan Lendl presented Alcaraz with the silver championship trophy. On court, Alcaraz turned directly toward his Italian opponent to acknowledge their ongoing battle at the top of the game.
I want to start with Jannik. It is incredible what you are achieving throughout the whole season. You show a great level at every tournament. I see you more often than my own family. And it is amazing to share the court and the locker room with you. I watch how hard you work and how you push yourself. I want to congratulate you on everything you are achieving,Alcaraz said during the trophy ceremony.
Sinner, unable to hide his deep disappointment after falling short of back-to-back New York titles, offered full credit to the new champion during his post-match comments.
Congratulations to Carlos and the whole team. You are doing an amazing job. I know there is a lot of hard work behind your great performance today, which surpassed me, so enjoy this moment to the fullest. I tried with all my strength, I couldn't do more,Sinner acknowledged.
Field Breakdown and Entry Context
| Player / Pair | Category / Draw | US Open Context & Tournament Details |
|---|---|---|
| Serena Williams & Carlos Alcaraz | Mixed Doubles Pair | Main draw wildcard; Williams (23 Slams, 6 US Open singles, 1998 mixed title); Alcaraz (rebounded from April wrist injury). |
| Jakub Menšík & Karolína Muchová | Mixed Doubles Pair | Granted direct main-draw wildcard by tournament organizers. |
| Kateřina Siniaková & Henry Patten | Mixed Doubles Pair | Doubles World No. 1 (Siniaková) and men's doubles No. 1 (Patten) denied direct entry, sent to qualifying. |
| Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner | Men's Singles Final | Alcaraz won 6:2, 3:6, 6:1, 6:4 in 2h 42m; captures 6th Slam, reclaims ATP World No. 1 spot. |
Sources
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- idnes.cz original
- isport.blesk.cz original
- ceskenoviny.cz original
- sport.cz original
