Controversial US Open doubles revamp ends with same result as last year

[ad_1] Italian pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori have completed their "mission" by profitable the US Open blended doubles title for the second straight 12 months.

Within the controversially rejigged and diminished format, that includes simply 16 pairings throughout a two-day carnival at Flushing Meadows, the defending US and Wimbledon champions mentioned they have been "on a mission" to show the distinctive and talent of doubles specialists.

And, in a area that includes singles superstars like Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka and Carlos Alcaraz, they pulled it off with a 6-3, 5-7, (10-6) win over six-time main singles winner Iga Świątek and three-time grand slam singles finalist Casper Ruud.

"You proved blended doubles gamers are smarter tactically than singles gamers, I assume," Świątek mentioned.

"We pushed to the top and tried to make it aggressive. It was a pleasure to share a courtroom with you."

All 4 finalists thanked organisers for making an attempt one thing new, with the format undeniably bringing extra star energy, followers and focus to the occasion.

"It was enjoyable for us and I hope it was funs for the followers," Ruud mentioned.

Vavassori mentioned they confirmed "doubles is a good product" and he hoped this 12 months's match might generate extra advertising and visibility, with prize cash leaping from $US200,000 to $US1 million from 2024 to 2025.

In entrance of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, Vavassori served for the match at 5-4 within the second set, however couldn't full the maintain, and Świątek then performed an outstanding return recreation to interrupt once more to ship the match to a 10-point tiebreak to resolve the title.

The Italians jumped out to a 4-0 lead, however Świątek and Ruud, who got here again from 8-4 down in a tiebreak to win their semifinal, staged one other fightback and received again to that very same level after Świątek double-faulted at 4-7.

Vavassori received them to match level at 9-5 with an excellent backhand volley on prime of the online and, after Errani's underarm serve on an finally unsuccessful match level, the Italians got here out on prime as Świątek couldn't deal with a half volley from a searing Vavassori forehand.

The defending champions have been solely entered within the occasion as wildcards and clearly felt the strain of taking part in for each doubles specialist, with Errani crying as she celebrated her ninth grand slam doubles title (six girls's, three blended).

<img alt="Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori celebrate by putting their heads together and shouting at the US Open." class="Image_image__5tFYM ContentImage_image__DQ_cq" sizes="100vw" src="https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/cd9700577485746acfb35991570a0af8?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2203&cropW=3305&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575" loading="lazy" data-component="Image" data-lazy="true"/> Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori mentioned they have been "on a mission" to show the worth and talent of doubles specialists. ( AP: Yuki Iwamura )

The match completed at midnight on a Wednesday, native time, and the stands of centre courtroom in New York have been nonetheless using each second of the thrilling match.

"Due to the gang [for] ready," Errani mentioned.

"Enjoying in entrance of you is so particular, you're superb. Enjoying with all these folks is unimaginable for us.

"We actually respect it, thanks for coming and ready till late night time. It was superb."

<h2 class="Typography_base__sj2RP Heading_heading__VGa5B future_heading__Gcudw Heading_default__Z3p_p Typography_sizeMobile20__NUDn4 Typography_sizeDesktop32__LR_G6 Typography_lineHeightMobile24__crkfh Typography_lineHeightDesktop40__BuoRf Typography_marginBottomMobileSmall__6wx7m Typography_marginBottomDesktopSmall__CboX4 Typography_bold__FqafP Typography_colourInherit__dfnUx Typography_normalise__u5o1s" data-component="Heading">Singles qualifying washed out as rain persists in New York Persistent rain in New York on Wednesday, native time, washed out the day's qualification matches for the lads's and ladies's singles draw.

Throughout 14 matches, six males's and eight girls's, none have been capable of be accomplished as simply 45 minutes of taking part in time was attainable earlier than the downpour.

Australian teen Emerson Jones leads 5-4 within the first set in opposition to Brazilian Laura Pigossi.

Fellow Australian Astra Sharma claimed the primary set in opposition to Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva from Andorra. When play resumes, Sharma will lead 6-2, 2-1.