This wasn’t just a victory for Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori. Their US Open mixed doubles title also felt like a victory for all doubles tennis players.

Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani beat Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud to win the new US Open mixed doubles final on Wednesday night.

The event sparked controversy because it excluded traditional doubles teams - except for Errani and Vavassori - at the expense of big-name singles players. The star-studded field included world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and three-time Grand Slam singles finalist Casper Ruud, who lost in the final to the Italians, 6-3, 5-7, 10-6.

There’s been lots of conversation and controversy about the format change. But when all was said and done, most of the players were big fans.

Big names fell early and unexpected teams broke through to steal the spotlight on Day 1 of U.S. Open mixed doubles play, headlining an electric opener packed with upsets and standout performances.

The thought of the top men’s and women’s singles players teaming up is one that has often intrigued tennis fans around the world.

Venus Williams served style on the court in a custom Khaite tennis kit for her opening mixed doubles match at the 2025 U.S. Open alongside American player Reilly Opelka on Tuesday in New York City.