This recent victory for Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori at the US Open mixed doubles was not just a personal achievement; it symbolized a significant win for all doubles tennis players. In an exciting final, the duo triumphed over renowned singles stars Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud, clinching their title with a score of 6-3, 5-7, 10-6. This match showcased the talent and skill inherent in doubles tennis, reinforcing its importance in the sport.
Errani and Vavassori successfully defended their US Open mixed doubles title in a thrilling showdown that lasted just two days, ending with a remarkable prize of $1,000,000—five times the amount awarded in the previous year. Vavassori expressed his thoughts post-match, stating, “These two days will be really important for doubles in the future because we showed that doubles players are great players.” His words underscore the potential for growth in the doubles format and the need for better marketing to enhance its appeal.
This year, the mixed doubles competition was strategically moved to the week prior to the main tournament, allowing top-ranked singles players like Świątek and Ruud to participate. The event featured 16 pairs competing in a shortened format that included first-to-four games across three sets, with no advantage after deuce and a 10-point tiebreak for the final set. Only during the championship match did the scoring increase to six games for the first two sets, creating a unique challenge for all players involved.
Inside the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, the atmosphere was electric, culminating in a tense tiebreak that secured the championship for Errani and Vavassori. The victory was particularly sweet, as they had previously triumphed over formidable opponents including Elena Rybakina, Taylor Fritz, Karolína Muchová, and Andrey Rublev. Remarkably, the final was the only match where they dropped a set, demonstrating their dominance throughout the tournament.
Errani emphasized the unique skills required for success in doubles tennis, stating, “In doubles, it’s not just serving good, hitting good, returning good. There are many other things that are not easy.” She highlighted the strategic mindset and intelligence needed to excel, distinguishing the nuances of doubles play from singles. “We show that you have to think, be smart,” she added, reinforcing the idea that doubles requires a different approach.
This championship marks Errani and Vavassori's third Grand Slam mixed doubles title, following their victories at last year’s US Open and this year’s French Open. Their path to success was not without challenges; in February, they publicly criticized the new tournament format, deeming it a “pseudo-exhibition” that disrespected the doubles category. Despite their initial reservations, the organizers maintained that the revamped format aimed to elevate mixed doubles by placing it in a larger spotlight.
Reflecting on the public response, Vavassori noted that the new format attracted larger crowds eager to witness the excitement of both singles and doubles stars competing together. Players like Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper echoed this sentiment, highlighting the lively atmosphere and the enthusiasm of the audience. “People love sport,” Draper remarked, “especially in New York, they love getting into it.”
Looking ahead, the future of mixed doubles remains uncertain, but Vavassori suggested expanding the tournament to include 32 teams, which could allow for more doubles specialists to participate. He acknowledged the complexities of organizing the schedule but expressed hope for future enhancements that would enrich the experience for players and fans alike. “Today was two doubles players at the top of the game and two singles players at the top of the game,” he concluded, indicating that such matchups could offer thrilling entertainment for audiences.
