Stars Outdone By Italian Job

Errani, Vavassori retain title in revamped US Open mixed doubles with big names

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NEW YORK - In the end, it was experience and chemistry that won the day and not the star names.

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori retained their US Open mixed doubles title on Aug. 20, beating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud to claim the US$1 million (S$1.3 million) top prize in the new-look competition that kicked off action at the last Grand Slam of the year.

The Italians capped two days of intense work in the 16-team event with a 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory over Swiatek and Ruud, who were among a slew of singles stars drawn not only by the big purse, but also by the chance to contest mixed doubles before singles action begins on Aug. 24.

Poland's Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion ranked second in the world, battled through an almost two-hour tussle with Jasmine Paolini to win the Cincinnati Open on Aug. 18, then hotfooted it to New York to team up with Norway's Ruud in the revamped competition.