Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori faced uncertainty about defending their U.S. Open mixed doubles title due to the tournament's restructuring. Organizers prioritized singles players over doubles specialists, leading to significant changes in the event's format.
Despite the challenges, the Italian duo not only returned to New York but also achieved victory. They defeated the No. 3 seeds, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, in a match that spanned two days. Their win earned them a substantial prize, a significant increase from their earnings in the previous year.
Errani and Vavassori, among the critics of the event's changes, celebrated their win with joy and camaraderie. Vavassori emphasized the importance of their participation, viewing it as a statement in support of doubles. The packed stadium and enthusiastic crowd demonstrated the event's appeal.
The U.S. Open's new mixed doubles format drew criticism. The organizers aimed to attract top singles players by altering the tournament's structure. While many prominent singles players participated, the doubles specialists ultimately prevailed.
The field of sixteen teams included teams qualifying based on combined singles rankings and wild card entries. Errani and Vavassori, who were unsure of receiving a wild card, became the first repeat mixed doubles champions since 2018-19. They dedicated their victory to the many doubles players who didn't have the opportunity to compete.
The event featured past U.S. Open singles champions, but they were eliminated early. Despite their absence, the matches drew large crowds, particularly on Wednesday night.
Ruud acknowledged the U.S. Tennis Association's bold changes, which some critics viewed as turning the championship into an exhibition. However, even doubles specialists agreed that the event garnered more attention than usual.
Swiatek and Ruud, despite their strong performance in the final, couldn't overcome the doubles expertise of the Italians. Vavassori's net play proved challenging for their opponents. Errani highlighted the complexities of doubles, emphasizing that success goes beyond just serving, hitting, and returning.
Errani, a highly accomplished women's doubles player, has achieved a career Grand Slam and an Olympic gold medal. Swiatek and Ruud shared a significant prize, while Errani and Vavassori earned a larger sum for their victory.
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