New York [US], August 22 (ANI): Legendary Tennis player Serena Williams will make her return to the US Open by partnering with Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles event, forming one of the most high-profile pairings in the tournament.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced on Saturday that Williams and Alcaraz had received a wild card entry for the competition, with the mixed doubles main draw set to begin on Tuesday.

The tournament will mark Williams' first appearance at the US Open since 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion made her comeback to competitive tennis this summer.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz confirmed earlier this week that he will defend his US Open singles title after recovering from a right wrist injury that had kept him out of action since April.

https://x.com/usopen/status/2091163903107453064?s=20

On the other hand, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner pulled out of the US Open due to a right knee injury, the Italian player's team said on Friday, according to the ATP website.

Sinner's last appearance came at Wimbledon, where he lifted his fifth Grand Slam title and first major trophy of the season.

During his title-winning run at SW19, he was pushed to five sets by Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round but did not drop another set before defeating Roland Garros champion Alexander Zverev in the final in four sets.

This marks the first time Sinner has missed a Grand Slam event since making his major debut at the 2019 US Open. The 25-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable 2026 season, dominating the ATP Tour with titles at the first five ATP Masters 1000 events of the year -- Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid and Rome. He has compiled a 44-3 win-loss record and claimed six titles so far this season.

According to a statement from Sinner's team, the Italian will stay in Europe and continue his rehabilitation with his medical and performance staff. The focus will be on returning to action during the Asian swing, with participation targeted at tournaments in Beijing and Shanghai.

'Even though I have been working hard with my team and my medical staff, we have now had to make the difficult decision that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year,' Sinner said in a statement.

'We have been back on court in Monte Carlo over the last couple of days and have realised that I still need more time to recover from my right knee issue. I'm obviously very sad and disappointed, as New York has a special place in my heart. I was very much looking forward to coming back and playing in the electric atmosphere in front of the great fans there,' the statement added. (ANI)