The Williams sisters are back: Serena and Venus set for first doubles event since 2022
WTATuesday, 04 August 2026 at 04:30
Serena Williams and Venus Williams are set to reunite on the doubles court at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first tournament together in nearly four years. The legendary American duo received a wild card from tournament organizers and will return to doubles action ahead of the US Open, adding another chapter to one of the most successful partnerships in tennis history.
The Cincinnati appearance will be the first time the sisters compete together since the 2022 US Open. Their last doubles match came in New York, where they were defeated in the opening round by Czech pair Lucie Hradecká and Linda Nosková.
The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six Wimbledon championships, and collected three Olympic gold medals. Their achievements as a team have made them one of the most decorated doubles partnerships in the history of the sport.
The reunion comes after their planned return at Wimbledon was interrupted. Serena was forced to withdraw from the doubles draw after suffering a knee injury during her first-round singles match against Australian youngster Maya Joint, while Venus is expected to compete in Cincinnati after receiving a singles wild card.
Williams sisters return after Wimbledon setback
The Cincinnati Open will represent the first opportunity for the sisters to test themselves together before the final Grand Slam of the season. The US Open begins on August 31 in New York, where both players have been among the biggest names in tennis history throughout their careers.
Serena’s Wimbledon comeback had generated significant attention, as it marked her return to Grand Slam singles competition after a four-year absence. However, her campaign ended in the opening round after the defeat against Joint, leaving questions about her physical condition heading into the North American hard-court swing.
Serena Williams lost in her return to singles competition at Wimbledon. She was defeated by Maya Joint (3-6, 7-6, 3-6).
Venus, meanwhile, continues her own comeback at 46 years old. The former world No. 1 has remained active on tour and was awarded a wild card for Cincinnati, where she is expected to compete in singles before joining Serena for the doubles event.
The sisters’ return to doubles comes with limited recent experience together, but their record remains unmatched. They have dominated major tournaments across different eras, winning 14 Grand Slam titles as a team and establishing themselves as one of the most iconic pairings in tennis history.
A historic partnership returns on the US Open stage
Their last doubles appearance at the US Open in 2022 came during Serena’s farewell tournament, when the pair drew major attention despite falling in the first round. Since then, they have taken different paths, with Serena stepping away from regular competition and Venus continuing to compete sporadically.
Cincinnati will now provide another memorable moment for the sisters, who have shared some of the biggest stages in tennis for more than two decades. Their partnership includes six Wimbledon doubles titles, two Australian Open trophies, two Roland Garros crowns and four US Open doubles championships.
The timing of their return also places them just weeks away from the US Open, where Serena and Venus have created some of their most memorable moments both individually and together. Whether Cincinnati becomes a one-off appearance or part of a larger comeback plan remains to be seen.
For now, the focus will be on their return as a doubles team. Nearly four years after their last appearance together, the Williams sisters are once again set to compete side by side.
Venus. Serena. Back in Cincy. 👊
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 3, 2026
The Williams sisters are officially set to reunite for doubles at the 2026 Cincy Open ‼️#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/3s4y8AwyIP
Serena and Venus Williams’ 14 Grand Slam doubles titles
| Year | Tournament | Final opponents | Score |
| 1999 | Roland Garros | Martina Hingis / Anna Kournikova | 6–3, 6–7(2), 8–6 |
| 1999 | US Open | Chanda Rubin / Sandrine Testud | 4–6, 6–1, 6–4 |
| 2000 | Wimbledon | Julie Halard-Decugis / Ai Sugiyama | 6–3, 6–2 |
| 2001 | Australian Open | Lindsay Davenport / Corina Morariu | 6–2, 4–6, 6–4 |
| 2002 | Wimbledon | Virginia Ruano Pascual / Paola Suárez | 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2002 | US Open | Virginia Ruano Pascual / Paola Suárez | 6–4, 6–2 |
| 2003 | Australian Open | Martina Hingis / Anna Kournikova | 4–6, 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2003 | Roland Garros | Kim Clijsters / Ai Sugiyama | 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2008 | Wimbledon | Lisa Raymond / Samantha Stosur | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 2008 | US Open | Lisa Raymond / Samantha Stosur | 6–2, 6–2 |
| 2009 | Australian Open | Daniela Hantuchová / Ai Sugiyama | 6–3, 6–3 |
| 2010 | Australian Open | Cara Black / Liezel Huber | 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2012 | Wimbledon | Andrea Hlaváčková / Lucie Hradecká | 7–5, 6–4 |
| 2016 | Wimbledon | Tímea Babos / Yaroslava Shvedova | 6–3, 6–4 |
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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