Serena Williams generated plenty of excitement among tennis fans when her name appeared on a list of players registered for the drug testing pool.
The move strongly suggested a stunning comeback to the court in 2026, although Williams quickly shut down the idea of returning on social media.
The former WTA number one, who retired in 2022, commented: “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy”.
But the situation has left many questions unanswered, namely if the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will make a return, and if so what form that potential return takes.
Along with her stunning singles success, Williams is a 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion, and a two-time mixed doubles champion.
Serena Williams could make a blockbuster return at the 2026 US Open
Returning to singles competition, as her sister Venus Williams did earlier this year, does seem unlikely, but the door has been left open for a doubles return.
And one blockbuster move the legendary figure could make in that light is to take on the US Open mixed doubles event.
The tournament is some way away right now, but that does give the 44-year-old plenty of time to prepare.
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The first edition of the newly revamped US Open mixed doubles event took place this year, with the field dominated by high-ranking singles players.
It was, however, the experienced doubles duo of Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori who lifted the trophy, successfully defending their title in New York.
The American men Serena Williams could partner in US Open mixed doubles
It is, of course, all hypothetical at this stage, but Williams could have a long list of players calling her phone in a bid to be her new mixed doubles partner.
Given the further attention it would garner, an American partner certainly makes sense, and there are definitely plenty of suitable candidates.
Having played in the event last time out, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, Reilly Opelka and Taylor Fritz are all in that category.
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Of course, further meltdown around Williams could occur should she somehow end up on the court alongside either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner.
Tennis fans were shocked by the US Open mixed doubles lineup in 2025, but such shock would be taken to another level entirely if Williams made a surprise appearance in 2026.
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