"He's always smiling and having fun" - Serena Williams thoroughly enjoyed her time on court with Carlos Alcaraz

Serena Williams is set to make her first appearance at the US Open since 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam champion will not take part in the singles event, focusing solely on the doubles with her sister, Venus. This comes in the wake of her taking to the court with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles, with the American lavishly praising the 23-year-old.

The pair got off to a brilliant start in the tournament. It was a highly anticipated partnership with it being rumoured for some time but it brought in a lot of excitement when it was confirmed. It was also the first time Alcaraz would be on court since the Barcelona Open back in April.

They began with a big shock as they took down doubles specialists Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe. They could not back it up with another win as Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic took them down in straight sets.

However, it was a special occasion for them to share the court together which was thoroughly enjoyed by the Flushing Meadows crowd.

In an interview with Elle, she offered glowing praise in the direction of the seven-time Grand Slam champion following their time on court together.

“Carlos is an incredible player, but he also brings so much joy to the court," she said. "He has amazing energy; he's competitive, obviously, but he's always smiling and having fun. As a partner, that really shows. He motivates you to improve, but at the same time, he maintains a relaxed atmosphere, which I really appreciate. And I have to say, having that speed on the other side of the net is a huge advantage.”

It was heartbreak at Wimbledon with Williams suffering a knee injury in her first round match in the singles against Maya Joint. The 44-year-old pushed her young Aussie opponent all the way but was defeated in a three-set thriller.

Coincidentally, Joint will again be on the other side of the court with the Williams sisters taking on Joint and Hao-Ching Chan, the 14th seeds.

Their Grand Slam return was meant to come at SW19 if it was not for that injury. Instead they are trading Centre Court for Arthur Ashe Stadium on home soil, and are sure to get a welcoming reception. Williams was very excited to get back playing with her older sister. They played together at the Cincinnati Open, but this is a different kettle of fish.

“There’s nothing like playing with Venus. We’ve been doing this together since we were little girls, so being back on Arthur Ashe Stadium with her feels incredibly familiar and very special at the same time.”

Among the thousands of people who will be watching the match, she also reserved a special mention for her children who could again watch her on the big stage competing. While not in her brilliant prime where she was winning Grand Slam titles for fun, she is still a mesmeric figure to watch and it will be enjoyed by her daughters.

“It was very special. Olympia grew up watching me play, but now that she’s older it’s a new experience, and she’s so wise and gives me advice. I love that I can now share this with Adira, who is so much fun and cheers me on from the stands. I’m glad they can remember their mum playing.”