Errani and Vavassori win 2025 US Open mixed doubles, fueling debate over the future of doubles tennis
The US Open’s mixed doubles final delivered more than just a championship moment on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who have forged a reputation as one of the tour’s most dedicated doubles teams, stunned high-profile singles stars to claim the title in a dramatic victory that left the crowd buzzing.
Their triumph came amid sharp post-match discussions in the trophy ceremony, where Errani and Vavassori spoke about the hurdles doubles specialists face after the event’s format shift. The pair argued that doubles players had been sidelined, and their remarks ignited a broader online debate about the role—and visibility—of doubles within the sport.
The discourse highlighted a nuanced divide. Doubles supporters argue the win shows that doubles specialists can outplay top singles players in mixed doubles and that the discipline deserves greater prestige. Conversely, some singles fans contend that if the era’s biggest singles athletes dedicated more time to doubles, they could dominate the format. The debate is underscored by Errani and Vavassori’s own run this year—they have been one of the few teams to train specifically for mixed doubles, competing in six events, including the four majors, the United Cup, and Indian Wells. They went undefeated in four of those events, with recent losses at the Australian Open and Wimbledon marking the exceptions.
In interviews conducted at the United Cup earlier this year, the pair discussed the distinctive strategic chess game of mixed doubles. They emphasized the importance of communication, tactical planning, and reading partners’ styles, noting that mixed doubles requires a different approach than traditional doubles. Vavassori pointed out that the dynamic often hinges on the women’s serves and the men’s movement off those serves, while Errani highlighted the value of smart net play and adaptable tactics.
Their breakthrough also raises questions about the balance of the sport’s marketing power. Errani and Vavassori have been vocal about the need to spotlight doubles players more effectively, arguing that stronger promotion could attract larger crowds and create a more compelling product. The performance at the US Open reinforced their point: they performed in front of packed stands, bringing energy and excitement even when fans did not come primarily to see doubles.
Two possible paths were proposed to sustain this momentum. One would be to bring back well-known retired stars into doubles draws to boost interest. The other would be to market current doubles specialists more aggressively—building narratives around teams like Errani and Vavassori, and producing promotional videos or documentaries to broaden the sport’s audience. Tennis insiders, including doubles coaches, have argued that the product is strong but has not been marketed effectively, a gap that the Italian duo has now highlighted with their standout performances.
As the sport looks ahead, the central question remains: will governing bodies seize on this moment to elevate doubles as a standalone attraction? The conversation mirrors a broader trend in tennis toward recognizing the value of all formats of the game.
Summary
Errani and Vavassori’s US Open victory underscores the potential of doubles specialists to compete at the highest level alongside singles stars. Their post-match remarks have sparked a pivotal discussion about the place of doubles in the tennis ecosystem and the marketing opportunities that could help grow a new generation of doubles fans. The next steps will hinge on whether tennis leadership commits to showcasing doubles more prominently, a move that could redefine the sport’s audience and the careers of players who specialize in this discipline.
A hopeful note: if the trend toward stronger marketing and more inclusive competition takes hold, the doubles game could become a cornerstone of tennis—delivering thrilling, crowd-pleasing tennis and creating pathways for players who dedicate themselves to the art of doubles.