Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz have spoken out after their blockbuster US Open mixed doubles partnership ended in the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.
The superstar pairing were beaten 5-4(4), 4-1 by Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Neither allowed the defeat to diminish their unique experience of playing together, however, with both remaining upbeate.
“I feel great. Even if I lost, playing with her, I’m feeling amazing,” Alcaraz said as the pair cooled down after their defeat.
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“We won! We won one, we lost one,” Williams responded.
“We tied.”
Williams, 44, was making her first appearance at the US Open since 2022, while Alcaraz returned to competitive action after suffering a wrist injury in April.
They began their campaign with an impressive 5-3, 4-1 victory over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool.
Alcaraz admitted afterwards that nerves had affected him immediately, with a double fault on the opening point underlining the significance of his comeback.
“I think everyone could see, I double faulted the first point. So, I was really, really nervous,” the Spaniard said.
“Playing alongside Serena, it’s still competition, full crowd. I was out for almost five months. I almost forget how I feel stepping on the court once again.
“It was just a couple games. She made it really easy for me. Just trying to enjoy and go for it every time.”
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Williams was equally enthusiastic about joining forces with the defending men’s singles champion and insisted their only ambition was to enjoy the opportunity.
“The same thing. Just have fun. This is such a bonus for us to be out here,” the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion said.
“To play with Carlos is honestly so cool. We’re just out here having fun.”
Williams and Alcaraz provided Bencic and Cobolli with a stern test during an opening set which featured no breaks of serve.
The Swiss-Italian combination eventually prevailed through a tiebreak before taking control of the second set and completing victory in 55 minutes.
Cobolli’s returning proved decisive as he helped secure the only service break of the contest before confidently serving out the match.
Bencic and Cobolli advanced to the semi-finals and remained in contention for the seven-figure winners’ cheque.
For Williams, meanwhile, the tournament represented another significant chapter in her return to tennis, four years after her previous appearance in New York.
The American will not compete in the women’s singles draw, leaving questions over whether she could pursue another doubles opportunity alongside her sister Venus.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, will turn his attention towards defending the US Open men’s singles title.
The 23-year-old is due to discover his route through the draw on Thursday as he prepares for his first singles match in almost five months.
He previously beat Jannik Sinner to claim glory in New York 12 months ago.
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