Serena, Venus Williams receive wildcard for 2026 Cincinnati Open doubles draw

Olympic champions Serena and Venus Williams are set to make their return to the tennis court together, having been granted a wildcard entry into the women's doubles draw at the 2026 Cincinnati Open. This marks the first time the legendary sisters will compete as a pair since the 2022 US Open.

The WTA 1000 event, scheduled to take place in Ohio from August 11 to 23, will host the Williams sisters' reunion. Their planned comeback at Wimbledon 2026 was unfortunately cut short when Serena, 44, withdrew from the doubles competition due to a right knee injury. She had already suffered a first-round defeat in the singles event.

The Williams sisters are renowned as one of the most successful doubles teams in tennis history. Their combined accolades include three Olympic doubles gold medals, notably from the London 2012 Games, and an impressive 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Venus, 46, has also received a wildcard for the singles draw, indicating both sisters' continued commitment to competing on the WTA Tour.

Earlier reports detailed Serena's withdrawal from her anticipated Wimbledon doubles return with Venus, citing knee issues. The official Wimbledon Instagram account confirmed the news. Serena had recently made her singles comeback at Wimbledon after a four-year absence, showing flashes of brilliance against younger opponent Maya Joint, but ultimately succumbed to fatigue in a three-set match.