US Open Mixed Doubles Champions Score Stunning Victory
Italian doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori defied the odds, defeating singles powerhouses Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud to claim the US Open mixed doubles title in a gripping final that ended just before midnight in New York. Their 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory not only secured them a record $1 million prize but also sent a bold message to tournament organizers about the value of professional doubles players.
A Triumph for Doubles Specialists
The revamped US Open mixed doubles event sparked controversy when organizers prioritized big-name singles players over doubles specialists, reshaping the competition’s format and scheduling. Many traditional doubles teams were sidelined, leaving Errani and Vavassori as the only seasoned doubles pair in the 16-team draw.
This is for all the doubles players who couldn’t play this tournament, declared an emotional Errani after their victory. Her partner, Vavassori, echoed her sentiments: We have been on a mission. Their win proved that strategic expertise and teamwork could triumph over star power—a statement that resonated with fans and fellow players alike.
The Road to Victory
Errani and Vavassori’s path to the final was anything but easy. After cruising through their first two matches on Tuesday, they faced stiff competition in the semifinals against Americans Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison, battling through with relentless precision.
Meanwhile, Swiatek and Ruud had their own dramatic semifinal, staging a comeback from 8-4 down in the tiebreak against Britain’s Jack Draper and US favorite Jessica Pegula. However, they couldn’t replicate that magic in the final, falling short against the resilient Italians.
A Controversial Tournament Overhaul
The US Open’s decision to reimagine mixed doubles by shortening early-round matches and changing scheduling slots drew widespread criticism. Doubles veterans, including Errani and Vavassori, publicly condemned the move, calling it profoundly wrong. Many felt the format cheapened the event’s prestige, with some even questioning the legitimacy of the title given the unusual setup.
Yet, the tournament’s organizers sought to legitimize the revamped competition. The final was treated like a marquee event, complete with a patriotic national anthem performance, celebrity sightings, and an electric crowd atmosphere. The intensity on court—evident in Ruud’s request for a VAR-style review on a disputed call—proved players were treating it as seriously as any Grand Slam.
A Night of High Drama and Celebration
As the match reached its climax, the energy inside the stadium soared. Errani and Vavassori’s emotional reactions—including Hulk Hogan-esque flexes after their semifinal win—added to the spectacle.
Off the court, the entertainment didn’t stop. DJs spun a New York-themed playlist, mixing hits from Jay-Z and Cyndi Lauper with crowd favorites like the Friends theme song. Celebrities, including fashion icon Anna Wintour, added a touch of glamour to the near-capacity crowd.
The Future of Mixed Doubles
Despite the backlash, this year’s US Open mixed doubles experiment may be here to stay. The high-profile involvement of stars like Swiatek and Ruud brought fresh attention to the event, while Errani and Vavassori’s win made a case for the skill and strategy unique to doubles specialists.
We showed that doubles is a great product, and in the future, we need more marketing and visibility, Vavassori stated. His words were a plea to tennis organizers: respect the format, honor its players, and let the game shine on its own merits.
A Victory for the Underdogs
Errani and Vavassori’s triumph was more than just a title—it was a validation of their craft. In a tournament designed to favor singles stars, they proved that doubles excellence could not be overshadowed. As the US Open looks ahead, the hope remains that mixed doubles will be given the platform it deserves, allowing future champions to compete on equal footing.
For now, the Italians can celebrate a well-earned victory—one that will be remembered not just for the prize money, but for the statement it made to the tennis world.
