Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori clinch the US Open Mixed Doubles Championship in a revamped version of the tournament they won this time last year. The Italian pairing defeated singles stars Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek in a thrilling 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory, which will be seen as a deserving victory for the doubles specialists.
Throughout the four rounds that were played over two days, Errani and Vavassori only dropped one set during their title defense and claimed the $1 million prize pot. Celebrating the result, Vavassori said the following at the trophy ceremony: "I want to say thanks to my partner. We are doing something [amazing] in these two years... I have to say thanks for the energy you put [on] the court . It’s unbelievable for me to play with you, thank you.".
His doubles partner shared the compliments as she said, "Andrea, you are too strong, too good. I am enjoying so much playing with you... It’s a pleasure for me to be by your side. It’s always so special. We are sharing these moments that are unforgettable, so I’m really happy to share them with you.".
When asked about the atmosphere and what it felt like playing on Centre Court with such an electric audience Andrea Vavassori stated, "It was an amazing atmosphere, so I have to say thanks to the organisation, to [tournament director] Stacey [Allaster], to Eric [Butorac] also for giving us the opportunity to play... have to say that we showed today that doubles is a great product… I think it was amazing to play on this court with so many people and I have to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for the atmosphere.".
Runners-up Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud showed real class in defeat, warmly congratulating their opponents. Dwiatek led the tribute, saying, " Congrats to Sara and Andrea, fully deserved. You proved that I guess mixed doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players, but we pushed ’til the end... We tried to make it competitive and it was a pleasure to share the court with you and hopefully you’re going to enjoy this and good luck with your doubles.".
Casper followed Iga's speech up and said, "I would also like to congratulate Sara and Andrea. You deserve it... I guess there was some pressure on you guys when you came in being somewha t of the favourites and you delivered. You played amazing, so you fully deserve it, enjoy it and also good luck for doubles.".
Sara Errani, in her winner's speech, also dedicated her victory to all the other doubles specialists who were unable to enter the new tournament style, as she said, "I think this one is for all the doubles players that couldn’t play this tournament. I think this one is also for them. ". Former tennis legend John McEnroe revelled in the victory, remarking: " There are a lot of proud doubles specialists out there watching right now, loving every moment of it... Good for them!".
The Italian duo marched past many star studded names on their way to the trophy first by taking out number two seeds Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz 4-2, 4-2. That same day Errani and Vavassori defeated Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova 4-1, 5-4 (4) to book their place in the semifinals. The next day Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison were unable to slow the momentum as they lost 4-2, 4-2 and the Italians faced Swiatek and Ruud to eventually win their second US Open Mixed Doubles Championship.
In what will be seen as a statement victory for all doubles specialists, Errani and Vavassori claim their second Mixed Doubles Grand Slam title of the year after winning the French Open mixed doubles earlier in the year.
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