ATP Tour

Errani & Vavassori defeat Ruud & Swiatek to complete US Open mixed doubles title defence

The US Open mixed doubles event featured an innovative new format, with many of the world’s best singles players competing and four rounds across two days. One thing remained the same: the champions.

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori completed their successful title defence Wednesday evening with a 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 victory against Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek. The Italians lost just one set in the tournament to share the $1 million champion’s cheque.

“I want to say thanks to my partner. We are doing something [amazing] in these two years,” Vavassori said during the trophy ceremony. “I have to say thanks for the energy you put [on] the court. It’s unbelievable for me to play with you, thank you.” 

“Andrea, you are too strong, too good. I am enjoying so much playing with you," Errani said. "It’s a pleasure for me to be by your side. It’s always so special. We are sharing these moments that are unforgettable, so I’m really happy to share them with you." 

Errani and Vavassori had the most experience together and that showed at Flushing Meadows. The close friends, who were supported by countrywoman Jasmine Paolini inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, displayed great chemistry and unrelenting net presence to stymie the singles stars in the draw and lift the trophy.

“It was an amazing atmosphere, so I have to say thanks to the organisation, to [tournament director] Stacey [Allaster], to Eric [Butorac] also for giving us the opportunity to play," Vavassori said. "I have to say that we showed today that doubles is a great product…

“I think it was amazing to play on this court with so many people and I have to say thanks from the bottom of my heart for the atmosphere.”

It was far from easy in the championship match against Ruud and Swiatek, who won the Cincinnati Open singles trophy Monday evening. The singles stars thrilled the crowd with their shotmaking ability and showed great competitive spirit to push the Italians to the brink.

Vavassori, who dominated on his serve throughout the tournament, was broken when serving for the tournament at 6-3, 5-4. Ruud and Swiatek both raised their level and Errani and Vavassori were unable to meet the surge.

But while the singles standouts seized the momentum, the defending champions refused to go away. Showing a lot of energy after the set break by sprinting to one another after points, Errani and Vavassori took a 4/0 lead and held on from there. Errani nearly ended the tournament with an underhand serve, but Vavassori eventually clinched the event with a dipping passing shot that Swiatek was unable to handle.

“There are a lot of proud doubles specialists out there watching right now, loving every moment of it,” ATP No. 1 Club member John McEnroe said. “Good for them!” 

”I think this one is also for all the doubles players that couldn’t play this tournament," Errani said. "I think this one is also for them.”

Errani and Vavassori earlier eliminated Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison 4-2, 4-2 in the semi-finals. In the only match that went to a deciding set before the final , Ruud and Swiatek rallied past top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula 3-5, 5-3, 10-8.

“Congrats to Sara and Andrea, fully deserved. You proved that I guess mixed doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players, but we pushed ’til the end," Swiatek said. "We tried to make it competitive and it was a pleasure to share the court with you and hopefully you’re going to enjoy this and good luck with your doubles."

“I would also like to congratulate Sara and Andrea. You deserve it," Ruud said. "I guess there was some pressure on you guys when you came in being somewhat of the favourites and you delivered. You played amazing, so you fully deserve it, enjoy it and also good luck for doubles.”