MIXED FEELINGS

New doubles format requires work & Wimbledon chiefs will need convincing before making big changes

- BY YASMIN SYED

THE revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament came to an end on Wednesday night with defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori lifting the trophy again.

The Italian duo were the only doubles specialists in the 16-team field after event organisers made huge changes, encouraging top singles stars like Carlos Alcaraz to compete.

Entries were based on singles rankings, a fast-four scoring format was used until the final, and a staggering $Lmillion prize was on offer for the champions, compared to $200,000 last year.

Players are now questioning whether other Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon, could follow suit.