For all of the excitement and controversy that came with the overhauled US Open mixed doubles tournament, by the time the two-day event was over, it was last year’s champions who managed to retain their title. US Open organisers revamped the format this year, with entries based on singles rankings and spots were hard to come by – only 16 teams made the cut.
Only one doubles specialist pairing received a wildcard into the draw, reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. And they proved that doubles is a real specialism, rather than a hit-and-giggle for singles players, as they lifted the trophy after beating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final.
When tournament bosses announced changes to the mixed doubles tournament earlier this year, Errani and Vavassori branded the new event a “profound injustice” in a lengthy statement. And they had the last laugh on Wednesday night in Flushing Meadows, sending another strong message to those at the top.
“I think this one is for all the doubles players that couldn’t play this tournament. I think this one is also for them,” WTA doubles No. 4 Errani told a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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