Mixed doubles quarter-final defeat ends Serena Williams’ US Open comeback

Serena Williams' return to the US Open produced a memorable first win before ending in the quarter-finals, as she and partner Carlos Alcaraz fell to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the revamped mixed doubles event.

Williams and Alcaraz, given a wildcard entry into the 16-team draw, won their opening-round match to record Williams' first victory at Flushing Meadows since 2022.

The pairing, one of several star duos assembled for this year's shortened mixed doubles format, had drawn plenty of attention ahead of the tournament.

Their run came to an end on Tuesday when Bencic and Cobolli produced a composed performance to see off the star-studded pairing 5-4(4), 4-1, advancing to the semi-finals in their place.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is not competing in the singles draw at this year's US Open, with the tournament's final wildcard instead going to American Sofia Kenin. Williams' mixed doubles appearance nonetheless marked a significant moment in her ongoing comeback to the sport this year.

• SOURCE: ATP Tour, ESPN