UPDATE: In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Italian doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have successfully defended their title in the revamped mixed doubles tournament at the U.S. Open, clinching victory on Wednesday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. They triumphed over the No. 3 seed duo of Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud with a score of 6-3, 5-7 (10-6).
This remarkable win, achieved in front of a roaring crowd, highlights the duo’s unparalleled intensity and communication skills. Errani and Vavassori, the only true mixed doubles team in the tournament, faced criticism for the event’s new format that prioritized high-profile singles players over dedicated doubles specialists. However, they turned the tables with a powerful statement victory.
Despite having just 10 minutes of rest compared to their opponents’ hour-long break before the final, the reigning champions showcased their endurance, marking their fourth victory in less than 48 hours. “I think this one is for all the doubles players who couldn’t play in this tournament,” Errani announced during her on-court interview, emphasizing the significance of their win for the doubles community.
The $1 million prize for the mixed doubles champions, elevated by $800,000 from the previous year, is a welcome reward for their hard work. The Italians faced a challenging match, with Vavassori initially struggling when his serve was broken late in the second set. Yet, they rallied in the tiebreaker, establishing a commanding 4-0 lead that Swiatek and Ruud could not overcome.
“We showed today that doubles is a great product,” Vavassori remarked, calling for more marketing of the doubles game in the future.
Prior to the final, Errani and Vavassori defeated Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison 4-2, 4-2, advancing to the championship without dropping a single set. Their impressive run included victories over high-profile competitors such as second-seeded Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, along with Karolina Muchova and Andrey Rublev.
The top-seeded duo of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper came close to reaching the final but fell short in a thrilling semifinal against Swiatek and Ruud. Pegula and Draper led 8-4 in the decisive tiebreak but allowed their opponents to seize the final six points, ending their hopes of a final showdown.
As the dust settles on this year’s mixed doubles tournament, Errani and Vavassori’s victory is a clear reminder of the power of teamwork and dedication in tennis. Their achievement not only secures their place in history but also sends a strong message about the importance of recognizing and promoting doubles specialists in future tournaments.
Looking ahead, the tennis community will be watching closely to see how this triumph influences the marketing and structure of doubles competitions globally.
