“I’ve seen her maybe twice”: Alexander Bublik admits unusual start to Venus Williams US Open partnership
Tennis NewsTuesday, 11 August 2026 at 21:00
Alexander Bublik has revealed just how unusual his upcoming US Open mixed doubles partnership with Venus Williams is, admitting that the pair barely know each other despite being set to compete together at Flushing Meadows. The world No. 11 said the partnership came about through their agents, with neither player apparently taking the initiative to contact the other directly.
The Kazakh confirmed that he immediately accepted the proposal when his agent approached him at Wimbledon. Williams' agent had apparently made the initial inquiry, but Bublik said he had never previously spoken to the American legend and had only seen her a couple of times in his life. Their partnership will therefore begin with virtually no previous experience together.
The pairing will be one of the most unexpected combinations in a revamped 2026 US Open mixed doubles event featuring several of the biggest names in tennis. Bublik's unconventional and creative game will be matched with Williams' enormous experience, with the American returning to Flushing Meadows after making her comeback to competitive tennis this season.
The tournament will also feature world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka alongside Novak Djokovic, while Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils will form another intriguing partnership. With several star players joining the mixed doubles field, Bublik and Williams' unusual introduction to one another adds another storyline to the competition.
Bublik admits he has barely spoken to Venus Williams
Asked who came up with the idea of partnering Williams, Bublik gave a remarkably simple explanation, making clear that the decision was largely handled by their representatives.
“I can't say whose idea it was," he said to Russian outlet Championat. "My agent wrote to me asking if we would play. I said: ‘Yes, let's play.’ I think her agent wrote to her the same thing.”
The Kazakh was then asked whether he and Williams would have time to become familiar with each other's games before taking the court at the US Open.
“No, I don't know how it will work. My agent came to see me at Wimbledon and told me that Williams' agent had written asking if we were going to play mixed doubles," Bublik explained. "I said: ‘Yes, why not?’ He replied: ‘Well, that's what I thought, let's play.’ I think she found out the same way I did.”
Williams brings vastly more doubles experience to the partnership. The American owns 14 Grand Slam women's doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, while Bublik—without much doubles experience—managed to reach the Roland Garros final again in 2021 alongside Andrey Golubev.
Williams and Bublik join star-studded mixed doubles field
The surprise partnership between Venus Williams and Alexander Bublik has added another layer of star power to an already star-studded 2026 US Open mixed doubles field. The pair joins a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in tennis, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka alongside Novak Djokovic, as well as Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils. The latest additions have helped turn the revamped competition into one of the most anticipated events of US Open Fan Week.
The Williams-Bublik combination is particularly intriguing because of the contrast between the two players. Williams brings 14 Grand Slam women's doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, while Bublik is known for his improvisation, variety and unconventional shot-making. The American will also be returning to the mixed doubles competition after partnering Reilly Opelka at the 2025 US Open, while Bublik will make his debut in the event.
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They will not be the only unusual or high-profile partnership in New York. Sabalenka and Djokovic headline the field, while Svitolina and Monfils will give fans the chance to watch the married couple compete together. Other notable pairings include Iga Swiatek with Casper Ruud, Elena Rybakina with Taylor Fritz and Mirra Andreeva with Daniil Medvedev, underlining how heavily the event has been built around established singles stars.
The tournament's 2026 edition will be played from August 24-26 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with qualifying added to the competition this year and the main event beginning during Fan Week. The revamped concept, introduced in 2025, was specifically designed to bring leading singles players into mixed doubles, and the depth of the 2026 field suggests that strategy has continued to work.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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