Italian doubles experts Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have once again shown their class. They won the new-look US Open mixed doubles event by beating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final. The Italians claimed a 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory in a late-night thriller in New York.
This win was special. The event had been changed by organisers to attract singles stars. A bigger prize of $1 million was offered, which was five times higher than last year. Errani and Vavassori, who earned only $200,000 in 2024, walked away with the new prize.
But controversy surrounded the event. Doubles players were upset as most of them were left out. Singles stars like Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic were brought in. This left Errani and Vavassori as the only proper doubles pair in the 16-team draw. They even said the organisers’ move was “profoundly wrong.”
Errani and Vavassori Playing US OPEN 2025 for Doubles Pride
Despite the doubts, the Italians proved their point. They beat Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the semi-finals before facing Swiatek and Ruud in the final. After the win, Vavassori lifted Errani in celebration. “We have been on a mission,” he said. Errani added that the victory was for all the doubles players who were not allowed to play.
ALSO READ US Open 2025 Draw: Where and When to Watch?
Even Swiatek admitted the Italians were too clever. Smiling, she said: “Doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players.”
The revamped event had a show-like feel. DJs played music, a US Marine Corps group held the national flag, and celebrities like Anna Wintour watched from the stands. Fans enjoyed a mix of entertainment and high-quality tennis.
The matches were intense. Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula lost their semi-final despite leading 8-4 in the deciding tie-break. Ruud even asked for a review on a Pegula shot, showing how serious the contest was.
In the end, Errani and Vavassori not only defended their title but also sent a message. They showed, doubles is exciting, competitive, and deserves more respect and visibility on the biggest stages.
