Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori hope their triumph at the revamped US Open mixed doubles event will pave the way for governing bodies to enhance their promotion of doubles players on the Tour.
The duo successfully defended their title in New York with a roller-coaster 6-3, 5-7, 10-6, win over Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a late-night showdown that ended just before midnight. Errani and Vavassori have earned $1M in prize money from their latest triumph, which is five times more than what they won at the same event 12 months ago.
This year marked the first time the mixed doubles were played during Fan Week, and it underwent extensive changes to enable top singles players to participate. These changes included reducing the draw length to be played over two days and introducing short sets in all matches, except for the final. The overhaul has drawn praise from some players, but critics argue that these changes have resulted in the exclusion of many doubles specialists from participating.
Both Errani and Vavassori have previously expressed concerns about these changes prior to being invited to play at the event.
“I don’t think if we didn’t make the statement we would have (been invited) to play this tournament, honestly,” said Vavassori.
“I think it was important for us to play. The initiative was important because it was really a statement that doubles can become something better. The stadium was packed. The people were enjoying themselves.
“In the super tiebreaker, there were so many good points. I think it is something that we are proud to stay here with the trophy.”
Now that they have experienced the revamped event, both Errani and Vavassori believe there is an opportunity to help promote doubles to a wider audience in the future, but to do so, more doubles specialists must be included.
“I think these two days will be really important for doubles in the future because we show that doubles players are great players,” Vavassori explained.
“I think this product can grow in the future. There were so many legends in the past that played doubles.
“I was speaking with John McEnroe in the locker room. He said to me that it was really important for him to come to me and say, “You’re doing something good for doubles.”
Errani, who has won nine Grand Slam titles in doubles during her career, backed her partner’s stance by stating that more doubles players should have the opportunity to compete in such events, which offer substantial payouts.
“I think it’s fair also for doubles players, very good players. I think like this year, like taking out work from the doubles, I mean, everybody’s playing also for money. I think it’s important also for the other doubles players,” she said.
As for runner-up Ruud, who was playing alongside Swiatek for the first time, he believes changes could be made to the event in the future due to concerns expressed by others on the Tour.
“I understand the frustration of the doubles players not being able to play. I think maybe they could invite some more. Maybe they’ll look at that,” said Ruud.
“When players react strongly at tournaments, they look at it, they take it seriously and see what they can do better for next year.”
