Errani and Vavassori beat Swiatek and Ruud in the revamped $1m US Open mixed doubles final

Italian doubles specialists Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori sent a resounding message at the US Open by defending their mixed doubles crown in dramatic style. The pair, who had criticised organisers for sidelining doubles players in favour of singles stars, triumphed 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 over world number one Iga Swiatek and Norwegian star Casper Ruud in a late-night finale in New York.

The victory capped a controversial tournament that was billed as a “reimagination” of mixed doubles. The event introduced shorter formats and a $1m prize pot – five times last year’s purse – in an attempt to lure top singles players such as Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

For Errani and Vavassori, it was more than a title. It was a point of pride. “This is for all the doubles players who couldn’t play this tournament,” said Errani defiantly. Vavassori added: “We have been on a mission.”

Their place in the draw had not been guaranteed. With combined singles rankings too low for automatic entry, they only made it through after being granted a late wildcard. Many of their peers were not so fortunate, excluded as organisers opted for a star-studded line-up of singles names instead.

The Italians embraced the challenge of being the only recognised doubles team in a 16-pair field. They powered past Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the semi-finals before facing Swiatek and Ruud, who themselves had battled back from 8-4 down in a tie-break to beat Britain’s Jack Draper and American Jessica Pegula earlier that same day.

The final lived up to the billing. With a packed crowd in Louis Armstrong Stadium, the match carried all the hallmarks of a classic US Open night session – patriotic pre-match ceremony, military flag bearers, and even DJs spinning a New York playlist from courtside decks.

Despite the glitz, the match itself was fiercely contested. Errani and Vavassori’s superior tactical nous gave them the opening set, but Swiatek and Ruud rallied in the second, forcing a decider. In the match tie-break, the Italians surged ahead and refused to let go, sealing victory just before midnight.

Their joy was unmistakable. Vavassori lifted Errani into the air as the pair celebrated a second consecutive US Open crown. “We showed that doubles is a great product and in the future we need more marketing and visibility,” Vavassori said.

Even Swiatek, smiling in defeat, conceded the point: “I guess you proved doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players.”

The format changes, however, remain divisive. Many in the tennis community argue that the overhaul has devalued the mixed doubles title, with some suggesting an “asterisk” should accompany future champions. Critics say the scheduling, shorter scoring system and focus on singles players strip the event of authenticity.

Yet the atmosphere suggested otherwise. With Anna Wintour in the stands and a crowd that stayed until the end, the organisers may feel vindicated. The lively energy – complete with Dance Cam and celebrity spotlights – gave the final an almost exhibition-like feel, though the intensity of play told a different story.

For Draper and Pegula, it ended in frustration after their squandered lead in the semi-final. For Errani and Vavassori, however, it was vindication. They proved that doubles specialists not only belong on the stage but can outshine the sport’s biggest singles names when given the chance.

As the Italians hoisted the trophy once more, their victory resonated far beyond the scoreboard. It was a statement – for themselves, for their peers, and for the very future of doubles tennis.