Serena Williams stepped back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for the first time since 2022, linking up with Carlos Alcaraz for mixed doubles at the U.S. Open. The tennis icon and Alcaraz kicked things off with a win in the opening round, beating Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.
The Queen’s Surprising Words After Her Comeback Win
After that first-round victory, Williams was just thrilled to be back on the court, and her words were something else. “I never expected to be back on this court, so it was just a really cool moment,” Williams admitted. “I never thought this would happen.” She’s been out of the game for much of the last four years, only getting some warm-up in various tournaments this summer. But despite all that time away, she looked completely comfortable out there alongside Alcaraz. You gotta wonder what that felt like, getting that W after so long.
Nerves, Injuries, and a Quarterfinal Exit
Alcaraz himself has been away from the court, missing the last four months because of a wrist injury. Playing next to an all-time legend had him feeling it. “I was really nervous playing alongside Serena,” Alcaraz said, but he also credited her with making it easier. “… She made it really easy for me just to try to enjoy it, go for it every time.” Unfortunately, that dream team run didn’t last forever. After their opening-round win, Williams and Alcaraz ended up losing to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals. It was a short return, but definitely a memorable one for the legend and her nervous partner.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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