Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz will begin their US Open mixed doubles campaign against Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, with the blockbuster pairing facing a formidable opening test in Williams’ first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2022.
The 16-team mixed doubles field has brought together some of the biggest names in singles and doubles, with Williams and Alcaraz drawn against a qualifying combination that boasts considerable experience at the top level of doubles.
Routliffe and Glasspool earned their place in the main draw after surviving two closely fought qualifying matches on Monday. They first defeated Luisa Stefani and Neal Skupski 4-1, 3-5, 10-7 before edging Kristina Mladenovic and Marcelo Arevalo 5-4 (4), 2-4, 11-9.
Routliffe adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup. The New Zealander is the reigning US Open women’s doubles champion, having won the title alongside Gabriela Dabrowski last year after also lifting the trophy in 2023.
Glasspool, meanwhile, has previously occupied the world No. 1 position in doubles.
For Williams, the mixed doubles contest marks another chapter in her limited return to competitive tennis. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has played only five tournaments since returning in June and has opted against competing in singles at this year’s US Open. She is instead scheduled to feature in women’s doubles with her sister, Venus Williams, as well as in mixed doubles.
