Doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori successfully defended their crown in the revamped edition of the US Open mixed doubles championship on Wednesday. Errani and Vavassori defeated Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 in the final of the 16-team two-day event on August 21.
The only doubles specialist to be invited to the tournament this year had their work cut out for them. The pair had to navigate through a stacked field of singles superstars, which included the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, to reach the final.
Key moments from the final
The defending champions opened strongly, taking the first set 6-3 by capitalising on early momentum and unforced errors from Swiatek, including a crucial missed forehand.
Although the Italians broke again early in the second set as well, Swiatek and Ruud mounted a spirited comeback to level the match 7-5, forcing a decisive 10-point match tiebreak. Towards the end of the finale, the Italians managed to edge out their opponents 10-6 to retain their crown.
New format: Old champions
This year, organisers introduced a streamlined format, reducing the mixed doubles field to 16 teams, half the size of the field in previous editions. Eight places were awarded based on players’ combined singles rankings, while the other eight were allocated as wild cards. The United States Tennis Association referred to their decision as a strategic move aimed at elevating the visibility of a discipline often overshadowed by singles play.
In a revamped format aimed at attracting top singles talent, the defending champions had to enter the draw as wild cards, as the tournament prioritised singles rankings over doubles credentials.
Undeterred, Errani and Vavassori relied on their veteran experience and tactical cohesion to gain victory over the Polish-Norwegian pairing. A capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium roared as Vavassori sealed the victory with a sensational forehand, securing the $1 million prize.
Errani and Vavassori previously also won the 2024 US Open mixed doubles title and the 2025 French Open mixed doubles title.