Serena and Venus Williams will play doubles together for the first time in nearly four years after receiving a wildcard into the women's doubles draw at the Cincinnati Open (BBC Sport; Cincinnati Open).

The tournament, a WTA 1000 event — the tier just below the Grand Slams — runs from 11 to 23 August in Ohio. The sisters' last doubles appearance together came at the 2022 US Open, meaning this reunion closes a gap of almost exactly four years.

Venus also received a wildcard into the singles draw. At 46, she continues to take selective wildcards into top-tier events, and Cincinnati's hard courts have been a familiar stage for both siblings across long and decorated careers.

The doubles field features 32 teams, with wildcards included in that count (Cincinnati Open). The top-ranked pairing in the draw is Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, who will be the team to beat.

For tennis fans, the appeal is straightforward. The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together and three Olympic gold medals in the format. Even in a tune-up event ahead of the US Open, the sight of them on the same side of the net carries its own weight.

The wildcard system — which allows tournament organisers to grant entry to players who would not otherwise qualify by ranking — gives events like Cincinnati the flexibility to showcase names the crowd wants to see. In this case, it has produced a pairing that needs no introduction.

Other women's singles wildcards previously announced for Cincinnati include Sloane Stephens, Taylor Townsend, Darja Vidmanova and Elvina Kalieva (Cincinnati Open). Venus was named alongside Caty McNally as an early wildcard recipient for last year's edition as well (Cincinnati Open).

The tournament begins on 11 August. Whether the sisters play their opening doubles match early in the first week or later will depend on the draw, which has not yet been made.