Errani, Vavassori retain US Open mixed doubles title in revamped format

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori successfully defended their US Open mixed doubles crown on Wednesday, defeating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 to claim the $1 million top prize in the revamped competition.

The Italians, who also won the French Open earlier this year, showcased their proven chemistry to overcome a field packed with singles stars drawn by both the prize money and the chance to compete before their main-draw campaigns.



Swiatek, fresh off her Cincinnati Open title, teamed up with Ruud in New York, while Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, as well as Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilovic, were among other high-profile entrants eliminated earlier. Despite their stature, it was the Italian duo’s experience that proved decisive.


Errani and Vavassori stormed to a 4-1 lead in the opening set and closed it out despite Swiatek and Ruud pulling one break back. The Polish-Norwegian pair responded in the second, rallying from 4-5 down to take three straight games and force a match tiebreak. But the Italians were relentless, racing to a 4-0 lead in the decider and holding on for victory under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.


In the opening three rounds, including Wednesday night’s semifinals, matches followed a shortened format with quick sets, no-advantage scoring, and a 10-point match tiebreak replacing a full third set. The final, however, reverted to traditional sets, capped by a deciding 10-point tiebreak.

Swiatek praised her opponents afterward, joking that 'mixed doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players', while Errani dedicated the win to doubles specialists who were excluded from the event.

Vavassori said the pair had been on a 'mission' to prove the value of doubles, both relishing the electric atmosphere of the packed stadium as they lifted the trophy once again.