Italian doubles experts Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori successfully retained their US Open mixed doubles crown in a tournament that sparked fierce debate within tennis circles.
The defending champions triumphed 6-3 5-7 10-6 against singles stars Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a match that concluded near midnight in New York.
The victory carried special significance as the Italian pair were the sole doubles specialists competing in the reimagined 16-team event.
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Tournament organisers had restructured the competition to favour singles players, offering a substantially increased prize fund of $1m (£740,000) - five times the previous year's amount.
The format changes had initially threatened Errani and Vavassori's participation before they received a wildcard entry.
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Following their victory, Errani dedicated the triumph to fellow doubles specialists who were excluded from the tournament. "This is for all the doubles players who couldn't play this tournament," she stated.
Vavassori echoed this sentiment, declaring: "We have been on a mission." The Italian celebrated by lifting Errani into the air, marking their second Grand Slam mixed doubles title together.
The pair had previously voiced strong opposition to the tournament's restructuring. They issued a joint statement criticising what they considered a "profoundly wrong" decision by organisers.
Their path to the final included victories over American duo Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the semi-finals, having won their opening matches on Tuesday.
The tournament's controversial restructuring drew entries based on singles rankings, attracting stars including Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu with the enhanced $1m prize pool.
This represented a fivefold increase from the $200,000 (£148,000) awarded in 2024.
The revamped format featured shortened scoring in early rounds and new scheduling slots preceding singles matches.
Tournament organisers described the changes as a "reimagination" of mixed doubles, though the modifications provoked fury amongst doubles professionals.
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Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud were beaten in the final mixed doubles final
|Reuters
Most doubles specialists found themselves excluded from the draw, with Errani and Vavassori's combined singles rankings initially too low for direct qualification.
The defending champions ultimately secured their place through a wildcard after their public criticism of the changes.
The final unfolded before a capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, complete with patriotic ceremonies and marine corps presence.
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Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula had knocked out Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the tournament
|Reuters
Despite trailing 4-0 in the decisive tie-break, Swiatek and Ruud couldn't replicate their semi-final comeback against Jessica Pegula and Britain's Jack Draper.
Swiatek graciously acknowledged the champions' tactical superiority, saying: "I guess you proved doubles players are smarter tactically than singles players."
Vavassori emphasised the broader implications of their triumph: "We showed that doubles is a great product and in the future we need more marketing and visibility."
The atmosphere remained festive throughout, with DJs playing New York-themed music and celebrity appearances including fashion icon Anna Wintour.