A Surprising Comeback
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori arrived in New York with uncertainty about their place in the revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament. Organizers had reshaped the competition to attract singles stars rather than traditional doubles specialists, leaving the Italians unsure if they would even be given the chance to defend their crown. Against the odds, they secured a wildcard entry and turned it into a storybook ending by lifting the trophy once more.
Defying the New Format
The 16-team field was selected mainly through combined singles rankings, sidelining many established doubles pairs. Despite initial doubts, Errani and Vavassori proved their worth on the court. Over two intense days, they battled through four matches, culminating in a hard-fought victory against top-seeded Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Their triumph not only secured them the championship but also a record $1 million prize, far surpassing their previous year’s earnings.
A Stage for Doubles
Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed as the Italians delivered an electrifying performance, showing the excitement that doubles tennis can generate. For players who rarely get the spotlight on such a grand stage, the atmosphere marked a milestone. The pair emphasized that their success symbolized something larger than themselves: proof that doubles deserves recognition alongside singles, especially when fans respond so enthusiastically to high-level matches.
Making History Once Again
With this win, Errani and Vavassori became the first repeat champions in U.S. Open mixed doubles since 2019. They also positioned themselves as representatives for many doubles players excluded under the new system. Their resilience and victory demonstrated that even in a restructured competition designed for marquee singles names, true doubles expertise can still prevail.