MIXED BLESSING

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

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

Entries were based on singles rankings, a fast-four scoring format was used until the final, and a staggering $1million prize was on offer for the champions, five times last year's figure.

Players are now questioning whether other Grand Slam event tournaments, including Wimbledon, could follow suit. Casper Ruud, who finished runner-up alongside Iga Swiatek, said: “I guess they have their eyes open. Let's see. It was a bold move from the US Open to do this.