Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz Win US Open Mixed Doubles Opener

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz defeated qualifiers Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool 5-3, 4-1 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday to advance to the US Open mixed doubles quarterfinals.

The victory marked a successful return to Flushing Meadows for the 44-year-old Williams, who last competed at the venue in 2022. Williams holds six US Open singles titles and previously won the mixed doubles crown alongside Max Mirnyi in 1998.

Alcaraz returned to competition after a five-month layoff due to a wrist injury. The seven-time Grand Slam winner and defending US Open champion recently confirmed his participation in the main singles draw beginning August 30.

After overcoming early unforced errors and an early break by their opponents, Williams and Alcaraz won four consecutive games to claim the opening set. The pairing secured the match in 58 minutes when Glasspool hit a forehand wide on the third match point of the second set.

Williams and Alcaraz advance to face fourth-seeded Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinal round. Bencic and Cobolli earned their spot in the final eight after recording a 4-2, 4-2 victory over Taylor Townsend and Alexander Zverev.