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Carlos Alcaraz on playing with Serena Williams: 'Do the things she told me to do'


Alcaraz shared just how much he admires Williams in his recent match


Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams at the US Open© Getty Images
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
AUGUST 28, 2026 6:17 PM EDT

Carlos Alcaraz is celebrating his US Open comeback. As the New York-based tournament kicked off, Alcaraz joined Serena Williams for one of the most exciting team-ups in modern tennis history. 

Serena Williams of United States leaves the practice court with her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and husband Alexis Ohanian© Getty Images
Serena Williams, her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Alexis Ohanian before The Championships Wimbledon 2026

This Tuesday, Alcaraz and Williams played on the same team, with both sporting matching purple outfits. The two defeated Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool

“I’m playing next to the one and only Serena Williams, so what else could you do? Just enjoy... Trying to do the things she told me to do,” he said. 

When asked if he follows Williams advice, Alcaraz was quick with his response: "Obviously."

The interviewer redirected the question to Williams, who laughed. “Yes, he does,” she said. 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Carlos Alcaraz reacts after winning the men's singles championship match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sunday, September 7, 2025 in Flushing, New York. (Pete Staples/USTA via Getty Images)  © Getty
Alcaraz won last year's US Open

Alcaraz and Williams' emotional return to the US Open

Alcaraz and Williams are having special tournaments at this US Open. In the case of Alcaraz, the tournament marked his first competition in months after recovering from a wrist injury. 

Following one of his training sessions, he spoke with journalists about his excitement to be back on the court. “Absolutely, after a couple of months recovering from my injury, I miss everything. I miss this place, I miss the crowd, I miss the ball kids,” he said. 

In the case of Williams, this marks her first appearance at the tournament in four years. “It’s always an amazing place to be here,” she said. “I never expected to be back on this court, so it’s just a really cool moment. I never thought this would happen.”

Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams of the United States, takes a selfie with their children Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira River Ohanian, in the team box before her match against Maya Joint of Australia.© Getty Images
Alexis Ohanian taking a selfie with their children Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira River Ohanian during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships

Alcaraz revealed that he had some nerves when playing with an icon like Williams. “I think everybody could see... I double-faulted the first point, so yeah, I was really, really nervous,” he said. 

“I was out four months and a half, almost five months, I almost forget how it feels stepping onto the court once again.”

Alcaraz will continue his singles tournament this weekend, with him playing against Roman Safiulin. In the case of Williams, she's not playing in the tournament's singles competition. 

Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams at the US Open© Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams at the US Open