Alcaraz and Serena Williams succumb to Cobolli and Bencic in the mixed US Open
The duo formed by the Italian tennis player and the Swiss showed great strength in their serve and did not give opportunities to the Spanish and the American, who were far from their best version.
Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams have experienced the two sides of the coin during Tuesday's matches in the 2026 US Open mixed doubles. After overcoming Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool in an authentic thriller in the round of 16, they succumbed in the quarterfinals to Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic with a score of 5-4(4) 4-1 in a duel where their weak point was the return, as they did not have a single break point.
The truth is that Alcaraz and Serena appeared more solid than in their round of 16 match, especially in the first set, but they lacked that spark of magic that they had displayed earlier to overcome key moments in the match. Cobolli possessed that extra point, leading the way and showing why he is one of the revelations of 2026. They will face Gael Monfils and Elina Svitolina tomorrow for a spot in the final, while Alcaraz will continue training to arrive in peak form for the singles draw.
Cobolli and Bencic strike first
The match began with Alcaraz and Serena showing a much better version than in the early stages of their encounter against Glasspool and Routliffe. However, they faced opponents who also did not concede much on serve. The initial games unfolded without major setbacks for either duo, and the best news was that this time Alcaraz managed to land many more first serves than in the first match, a key statistic for both this format and for what lies ahead in the singles draw.
The first test came at 40-40 and 3-3 with Alcaraz serving. In mixed doubles, there is no advantage, only golden point, but Carlos delivered a great serve for Serena to finish at the net with a fantastic volley to put them up 4-3. Amid this equality, they reached the tie break, which was a rollercoaster of emotions. Bencic and Cobolli started 3-0, Alcaraz and Serena fought back, but ultimately it was the Italian and the Swiss who proved more solid to take the first set.
Cobolli and Bencic seal the match against Alcaraz and Serena
The second set began in the same dynamic, with a very engaged Cobolli making all the passing shots he attempted. Alcaraz and Serena did not have the same luck, as in their first service game they had to fend off two break points. A long return from Bencic and a great volley allowed them to stay alive, but they were on the ropes.
In fact, it didn't take long for the pitcher to break after so many trips to the well, as with 2-1 down, Alcaraz lost his serve after an unforced forehand error. A burden too heavy for them to recover from, losing 4-1 and being eliminated from the tournament. Regardless, they have played two matches in this mixed doubles format, which will benefit Carlos as he continues to improve and gain playing time ahead of the singles draw beginning next Sunday.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz y Serena Williams claudican ante Cobolli y Bencic en el US Open mixto