The 2025 US Open mixed doubles event was certainly entertaining, even if it did receive its fair share of criticism.
When the US Open announced a complete overhaul of the mixed doubles tournament, several fans and doubles players were up in arms about what it would mean for the future of the discipline.
Of the 16 teams competing in the tournament, just one, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, were an established mixed doubles pairing.
Out to prove a point, the Italian duo, who had previously released a statement slamming the changes, defended their title, defeating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the final.
Speaking during their post-match press conference, Errani and Vavassori suggested they didn’t think they’d have been invited to play the US Open mixed doubles event had they not released their statement earlier this year.
Andrea Vavassori doesn’t think he and Sara Errani would have been invited without releasing statement
During their post-match press conference, Errani and Vavassori were asked if they thought they were going to receive a wild card when the new tournament format was announced.
“Not really. Not really. I was not believing on it,” said Errani.
“We were waiting. We didn’t know. Was tough. For me was more no than yes.”
Vavassori agreed, as he doesn’t think the pair would’ve received an invite had they not released a statement.
“Actually, I don’t think that if we didn’t do the statement, we would have played this tournament, honestly,” he said.
“I think it was important for us to play. Like I have to say the initiative was also important because it was really a statement that doubles can become something better.
“The stadium was packed. The people were enjoying. If something doesn’t work, like we showed today that it’s working. Like, the people were going crazy. The noise.
“Also, the super tiebreaker, so many good points. I think is something that we are proud to stay here with the trophy.”
Winning 10-6 in the super tiebreaker, Errani and Vavassori clinched their second consecutive US Open mixed doubles title.
Vavassori doesn’t think they would have had the chance to defend their title without making a statement, but what did the Italians say when the news came out earlier this year?
What did Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori say in their statement?
Reacting to news of the changes to the US Open mixed doubles format, Errani and Vavassori released a social media statement, describing the move as a ‘profound injustice’.
“In our opinion, making decisions just following the logic of profit is profoundly wrong in some situations,” they said.
“Last year, to win the US Open together was one of the greatest moments in our careers. We felt unbelievable warmth and support from the Italian fans, and this made us really happy.
“Mixed doubles is not very well known, that’s true, but everything that’s part of a Slam competition – the History behind every single result – is unique, and it’s a great honour to become part of it. Coming back the following year and seeing your names engraved in the trophy board is one of the most special feelings in our sport. You realize that you will be forever remembered as a small part of this important tournament.
“In the last few weeks, we received the news that the US Open mixed doubles tournament will be completely turned upside down, cancelled, and replaced with a pseudo-exhibition focused only on entertainment and show. It will be played during the qualification tournament, with eight pairs of players determined by highest single ranking and eight pairs of players invited by the tournament with a wild card.
“A decision made without consulting anyone, which we can do nothing but accept.
“We see it as a profound injustice that disrespects an entire category of players. Putting money above tennis is never a good idea.
“We don’t know at the moment if we’ll have the chance to defend our title, but we hope this will remain an isolated case and this type of policy will not be considered again in the future.
“We strongly felt the need to share our thoughts, Sara & Andrea.”
Vavassori and Errani were eventually awarded a wild card, but were the only ‘traditional’ mixed doubles team invited to the event.
Winning the tournament, the Italian duo proved that doubles players can more than compete with singles stars trying their hand at the discipline.
As a result of their win, perhaps the US Open will choose to award more wild cards to doubles players in 2026…
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