Italian doubles consultants Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori efficiently retained their US Open combined doubles crown in a match that sparked fierce debate inside tennis circles.
The defending champions triumphed 6-3 5-7 10-6 in opposition to singles stars Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a match that concluded close to midnight in New York.
The victory carried particular significance because the Italian pair have been the only real doubles specialists competing within the reimagined 16-team occasion.
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Match organisers had restructured the competitors to favour singles gamers, providing a considerably elevated prize fund of $1m (£740,000) – 5 occasions the earlier yr's quantity.
The format modifications had initially threatened Errani and Vavassori's participation earlier than they acquired a wildcard entry.
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Following their victory, Errani devoted the triumph to fellow doubles specialists who have been excluded from the match. "That is for all of the doubles gamers who couldn't play this match," she said.
Vavassori echoed this sentiment, declaring: "We have now been on a mission." The Italian celebrated by lifting Errani into the air, marking their second Grand Slam combined doubles title collectively.
The pair had beforehand voiced robust opposition to the match's restructuring. They issued a joint assertion criticising what they thought-about a "profoundly unsuitable" determination by organisers.
Their path to the ultimate included victories over American duo Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison within the semi-finals, having gained their opening matches on Tuesday.
The match's controversial restructuring drew entries based mostly on singles rankings, attracting stars together with Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu with the improved $1m prize pool.
This represented a fivefold improve from the $200,000 (£148,000) awarded in 2024.
The revamped format featured shortened scoring in early rounds and new scheduling slots previous singles matches.
Match organisers described the modifications as a "reimagination" of combined doubles, although the modifications provoked fury amongst doubles professionals.
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Most doubles specialists discovered themselves excluded from the draw, with Errani and Vavassori's mixed singles rankings initially too low for direct qualification.
The defending champions in the end secured their place by a wildcard after their public criticism of the modifications.
The ultimate unfolded earlier than a capability crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, full with patriotic ceremonies and marine corps presence.
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Regardless of trailing 4-0 within the decisive tie-break, Swiatek and Ruud couldn't replicate their semi-final comeback in opposition to Jessica Pegula and Britain's Jack Draper.
Swiatek graciously acknowledged the champions' tactical superiority, saying: "I suppose you proved doubles gamers are smarter tactically than singles gamers."
Vavassori emphasised the broader implications of their triumph: "We confirmed that doubles is a good product and sooner or later we’d like extra advertising and visibility."
The environment remained festive all through, with DJs enjoying New York-themed music and movie star appearances together with style icon Anna Wintour.