Serena Williams and Alcaraz exit US Open mixed doubles

Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the US Open mixed doubles on Tuesday, falling to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli 5-4(4), 4-1. The defeat came hours after the pair won their opening match, marking Alcaraz's return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for nearly five months. Source: El Confidencial

The comeback

Alcaraz, 23, and Williams, 44, debuted with a 5-3, 4-1 victory over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool, thrilling the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Alcaraz admitted to nerves, saying, "I was very, very nervous," and noted he had "almost forgotten how it felt to step on court again." Source: Infobae Williams, playing her first Grand Slam match since 2022, called the moment "incredible." Source: El Colombiano

The exit

In the quarterfinals, the pair struggled after losing a tight first-set tiebreak. Bencic and Cobolli, the fourth seeds, capitalized on their experience to close out the match. Source: Excelsior Despite the loss, the partnership was a highlight of the tournament's second edition, which features a fast format with four-game sets and a $1 million prize. Source: AP via Hoy

What's next

Alcaraz will compete in the men's singles, where he is the defending champion, starting Sunday. Williams, who has not entered singles, will play women's doubles with her sister Venus after receiving a wild card. Source: Milenio The mixed doubles semifinals and final are scheduled for Wednesday. Source: AP via El Día