Italians shine in revamped US Open mixed doubles

ERRANI, VAVASSORI TURN ANGER OVER NEW RULES INTO CELEBRATIONS

- BY A.K.S. SATISH

When the US Open mixed doubles event was overhauled this year, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori feared they wouldn't even get in. Organis:ers had revamped the format to spotlight singles superstars, cutting traditional doubles pairings out of the picture.

On Wednesday night, those same Italians were smiling, hugging, and holding a $1 million cheque after defending their crown in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. They beat No 3 seeds Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3, 5-7, (10-6) to become the first team since 2019 to win back-to-back US Open mixed doubles titles.