Serena, Venus Williams receive wildcard for 2026 Cincinnati Open doubles draw
London, August 4
Olympic champions Serena and Venus Williams have received a wildcard entry into the women's doubles draw at the 2026 Cincinnati Open, marking their first appearance together since the 2022 US Open.
The WTA 1000 event, scheduled to be held in Ohio from August 11 to 23, will see the Williams sisters reunite after their planned comeback at Wimbledon 2026 was cut short. Serena, 44, withdrew from the doubles draw due to a right knee injury after her first-round defeat in the singles event, as per Olympics.com.
The Williams sisters are among the most successful doubles teams in tennis history. Together, they have won three Olympic doubles gold medals, including at the London 2012 Games, and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
Venus, 46, has also been awarded a wildcard for the singles draw as both sisters continue their return to the WTA Tour.
Earlier, Serena Williams announced that she will be withdrawing from her much-anticipated Wimbledon doubles competition return with her sister Venus Williams due to knee issues.
The official Instagram handle of Wimbledon made the announcement. Serena suffered a defeat to Maya Joint in her much-anticipated Wimbledon singles return after a four-year absence, following an epic Centre Court battle.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who recently announced her comeback at the age of 44, showed moments of brilliance against the 20-year-old Australian and saved a match point in the second set to force a decider. However, she eventually ran out of steam, going down 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Williams sisters are the greatest doubles team ever. 14 Grand Slams and 3 Olympic golds- that's insane! Hope they can stay fit this time. The Cincinnati crowd will go crazy for them. 🇮🇳❤️
Honestly, I think this is more about nostalgia than competition. Modern players like Swiatek and Sabalenka are at their peak. But as a fan from India who grew up watching Serena dominate, I can't help but hope for one more magical run. 🙏
Serena's comeback at 44 is so inspiring. It reminds me of Leander Paes still playing for India! These legends just can't stay away from the sport they love. All the best to the sisters for Cincinnati! 🌟
It's great to see them back, but I feel the wildcard could've gone to a younger American doubles pair trying to make a name for themselves. But then again, the Williams sisters bring in massive crowd pull and TV ratings. Fair enough.
These two are the reason I started watching tennis as a kid in Chennai. Their chemistry on court is unmatched. Even if they lose in the first round, watching them together one more time is a gift to fans everywhere. 🎉
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