In a spectacular display of tactical brilliance and veteran grit, the unseeded Italian duo of Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani have captured the US Open mixed doubles title, stunning the tournament's top seeds in a captivating final on Thursday.
The powerhouse pairing of world No. 1 Iga Świątek and recent men's finalist Casper Ruud entered Arthur Ashe Stadium as overwhelming favourites. However, they were systematically dismantled by the Italian veterans, who secured a commanding 6-3, 6-4 victory to claim the championship.
A Masterclass in Doubles Strategy
Vavassori and Errani delivered a tactical masterclass from the first ball. Their game plan was executed to perfection, neutralising Ruud's powerful groundstrokes and disrupting Świątek's rhythm with cleverly angled returns and deft volleys.
The Italian pair's chemistry was palpable, a stark contrast to their more celebrated opponents. Errani's experience and legendary returning prowess from the deuce court perfectly complemented Vavassori's aggressive net play and powerful serving from the ad court.
Sealing the Victory Against the Odds
The match reached its climax with Vavassori serving for the championship at 5-4 in the second set. The tension was electric, but the Italian held his nerve magnificently. He sealed their fairytale victory with a thunderous ace, a fitting conclusion to a flawless performance.
The win marks a remarkable third Grand Slam mixed doubles title for the 38-year-old Errani, adding to her previous triumphs at the 2012 French Open and 2014 Australian Open. For Vavassori, this represents a career-defining moment and his first major title on the hallowed grounds of Flushing Meadows.
A Stunning Upset for the Ages
This victory will be remembered as one of the great upsets in recent US Open history. It proves that in the nuanced game of doubles, synergy and strategy can triumph over raw singles power and ranking points. The sight of the two Italians embracing at the net, having conquered two of the sport's biggest stars, will endure as an iconic image from the 2025 tournament.
