Venus Williams urges US Open doubles reunion with sister Serena amid comeback

Venus Williams told media outlets she would love to partner with her sister Serena in the women’s doubles draw at the 2026 US Open. The request arrives as Serena, who has been rebuilding her schedule after a maternity break and a limited Wimbledon appearance, signals that a full‑time return to the tour is within reach.

Developments across the circuit

In a recent interview, Venus said she is “ready and eager” to reunite with Serena for the US Open doubles event, noting that the pair’s chemistry remains a unique asset on grass and hard courts alike Tennishead. The sentiment was echoed in a Sports Illustrated piece that quoted Venus as saying she would “love” the opportunity, adding that the sisters have not played together at a Grand Slam since 2022 Sports Illustrated. While no formal entry has been filed, the sisters have been seen practicing together at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center ahead of the tournament, fueling speculation that a joint entry could be confirmed before the entry deadline.

Serena’s own comeback trajectory supports the possibility of a doubles partnership. After a year‑long hiatus that included the birth of her second child, she returned to the tour at Wimbledon, where she reached the second round in singles and paired with Venus in the women’s doubles, exiting in the third round The New York Times – The Athletic. ESPN’s coverage of Serena’s return highlighted her focus on building match fitness through doubles play, describing the format as “a strategic stepping stone” toward a full singles schedule ESPN. The WTA’s recent briefing on Serena’s singles return confirmed that she intends to compete in the upcoming hard‑court swing, which includes the US Open, and that she welcomes “any opportunity to play with Venus” WTA Tennis.

Olympics.com reported that Venus, who is also planning a Wimbledon return, described the sisters’ shared legacy as “not set yet,” suggesting that a US Open partnership could add another chapter to their record‑breaking careers olympics.com. The article noted that both players have expressed a desire to extend their influence beyond individual accolades, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Why it matters

A Williams sisters doubles team at a Grand Slam would be more than a nostalgic pairing; it would reshape the competitive landscape of women’s tennis. Historically, the duo has captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, a record that still stands unmatched. Their reunion could elevate the profile of doubles, a discipline that often receives less media attention than singles, and could boost viewership and sponsorship interest at a time when the sport seeks to broaden its audience.

From a financial perspective, a high‑profile doubles entry can attract larger prize pools and increase ticket sales, especially in a market like New York where the Williams brand carries significant draw. Moreover, the sisters’ partnership would provide a platform to discuss broader issues—such as athlete motherhood, race, and the business of tennis—topics both have championed throughout their careers.

Strategically, playing together could help Serena fine‑tune her timing and court positioning ahead of a full singles campaign. Doubles matches demand quick reflexes at the net and rapid decision‑making, skills that are essential for a player re‑acclimating to the tour after a prolonged break. For Venus, whose own ranking has slipped due to injuries, the partnership offers a chance to capitalize on Serena’s momentum and potentially secure a deep run that could improve her own standing.

Reactions from the tennis community

Reactions have been largely positive. Former world No. 1 Simona Halep praised the idea on social media, calling the Williams sisters “the ultimate role models” and suggesting that their partnership would “raise the bar for everyone.” Sports Illustrated. Conversely, some analysts caution that the pair’s age and recent injuries could limit their competitiveness against younger, full‑time doubles specialists. A commentator from ESPN noted that “while the excitement is undeniable, the physical demands of a best‑of‑three‑set doubles schedule at a two‑week Grand Slam are not trivial for players returning from maternity leave.”

US Open tournament director Patrick McEnroe issued a statement acknowledging the sisters’ interest, saying that the event “always welcomes the Williams sisters and looks forward to any opportunity to showcase their talent on our courts.” Tennishead. The WTA, meanwhile, highlighted the potential marketing impact, noting that “the Williams brand continues to be a catalyst for growth in women’s tennis.”

What’s next for the sisters

Both players face logistical decisions before the US Open. The entry deadline for doubles is typically six weeks before the tournament, meaning the sisters must submit a joint application soon. If they do, they will need to coordinate practice sessions, equipment, and scheduling to avoid conflicts with Serena’s planned singles matches.

Serena’s upcoming hard‑court schedule includes an appearance at the Canadian Open, where she is expected to play singles and possibly test a doubles partnership with a different teammate as a warm‑up. Venus, who is also targeting a deep run in the singles draw, will likely assess her own health after her Wimbledon appearance before committing fully to a US Open doubles campaign.

Should the pair confirm their entry, the tournament’s draw ceremony, slated for early August, will reveal their seeding position. Given their combined ranking points, they could be seeded high enough to avoid early clashes with top specialist teams, increasing the likelihood of a later‑stage meeting that could capture global attention.

Regardless of the outcome, the conversation sparked by Venus’s public desire underscores the enduring allure of the Williams sisters in tennis. Their potential reunion at the US Open promises to blend competitive intrigue with a narrative of family, resilience, and the ongoing evolution of the sport.