Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori successfully defended their US Open mixed doubles title on Wednesday night, defeating third-seeded Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, earning a $1 million prize in a revamped tournament format that featured singles stars.The Italian duo secured their victory by winning four matches over two consecutive days in the newly structured event, which limited participation to singles-ranked players and wild card entries.The champions were initially uncertain about their participation in defending their title, as the tournament’s new format allowed only eight teams to qualify based on combined singles rankings, with the remaining spots filled through wild card entries.Despite being among the critics of the tournament’s changes that excluded traditional doubles pairs, the Italians emerged victorious after building an early lead in the match tiebreaker.
“I think it was amazing to play in this court with so many people and I have to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for the atmosphere,” Vavassori expressed during the trophy presentation.The tournament organisers had restructured the event, scheduling it before Sunday’s singles play, hoping to attract tennis’s most prominent players to participate.Errani and Vavassori became the first repeat mixed doubles champions at Flushing Meadows since Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jamie Murray’s victories in 2018-19.The Italian pair acknowledged they were representing numerous doubles players who were unable to participate in this year’s tournament.“I think this one is also for them,” Errani stated after their victory.
