US Open mixed doubles victors Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are hopeful their triumph has elevated the status of their event, having successfully defended their title against a field filled with singles stars.
The Italian duo defeated six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek and three-time major finalist Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 in a thrilling final at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.
This year, the event stood out as organizers scheduled it separately from the singles main draw, capturing more attention than usual.
“These two days are crucial for the future of doubles,” Vavassori remarked. “We’ve demonstrated that doubles players are exceptional, and the sport can expand.”
The revamped format, featuring big names like Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, was a marketing triumph.
Hundreds braved the rain and queued outside Arthur Ashe Stadium well before the semifinals, signaling a newfound interest in mixed doubles.
While the star power drew crowds, it was the synergy between Errani and Vavassori, honed over a two-year partnership that included a French Open win, that proved decisive.
Errani expressed hope that it highlighted the potential of dedicated doubles teams, many of whom missed the tournament.
“This win is for all the doubles players who couldn’t compete,” Errani said as they accepted the trophy. “It’s also theirs.”
The Italians surged to a 4-1 lead in the first set, and despite a fightback from Swiatek and Ruud, they secured it with a confident hold.
Swiatek and Ruud fought back in the second set, forcing a 10-point tiebreaker after winning three consecutive games.
The Italians surged to a 4-0 lead in the tiebreaker and maintained it to win.
“Congratulations,” Swiatek said during the trophy presentation. “You showed that mixed doubles players might be more tactically astute than singles players.
“We pushed hard. We wanted it competitive.”
The initial rounds, including the semifinals, featured short sets with no-advantage scoring and a 10-point match tiebreaker instead of a third set, with the final returning to traditional scoring.
Swiatek and Ruud advanced past top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper with a 3-5, 5-3, 10-8 win, clinching the last six points.
Errani and Vavassori cruised past Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison 4-2, 4-2 to reach the final.
On a mission to prove themselves, Vavassori and Errani thrived in the electrifying atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“This court gives me goosebumps every time,” Errani stated.
Vavassori appreciated the “amazing atmosphere” and thanked organizers for highlighting mixed doubles.
“We showed today that doubles is a fantastic product,” he said. “Playing here with such a crowd was amazing, and I’m grateful for the incredible atmosphere.”
