US Open ATP - New York Shines in Blue: Errani and Vavassori Make History

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On September 5, 2024, in New York, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori made history by becoming the first Italian pair to win the mixed doubles title at a Grand Slam, defeating Americans Taylor Townsend and Donald Young with a score of 7-6(0) 7-5.

When Raffaella Reggi claimed the mixed doubles title at the US Open in 1986 alongside Spain’s Sergio Casal, Errani and Vavassori weren’t even born. At that time, Italian tennis wasn’t enjoying the golden era it is now; while Jannik Sinner stands out as the top player, there are at least 15 athletes competing at high levels across all formats. Errani and Vavassori will forever remember their night in New York, where they triumphed over Townsend and Young. The match lasted 1 hour and 28 minutes, marking their first Grand Slam title in mixed doubles. This victory also counts as Errani’s sixth Grand Slam overall, having previously won five titles in women’s doubles. Notably, this is the first all-Italian title in mixed doubles history; the last such win was in the late 1950s when Pietrangeli and British partner Bloomer claimed victory in Paris.

Match Highlights

Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori play against USA’s Taylor Townsend and Donald Young during their mixed doubles final match on day eleven of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 5, 2024. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

The Americans started strong, with Townsend particularly impressive, serving two aces in the seventh game. Errani and Vavassori faced pressure in the previous game, saving a break point. The crucial moment came in the eleventh game when the Italians broke their opponents’ serve. Although Errani stumbled while serving for the set, they dominated the tiebreak 7-0, putting them just a step away from victory after 47 minutes.

Conclusion

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Sara Errani (bottom right) and Andrea Vavassori (bottom left) of Italy shake hands with Taylor Townsend (top right) and Donald Young (top left)of the United States after their Mixed Doubles Final match on Day Eleven of the 2024 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 05, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Luke Hales/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Luke Hales / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Young and Townsend attempted to rally, even holding a chance to lead 2-1, but the Italians held firm. A significant break from Errani put them ahead 3-1, and Vavassori followed up with excellent serves to extend their lead to 4-1. However, the Americans responded, finding their first break of the match. With the score at 4-4, the tension mounted as the Italians fought to regain control.

In the final game, Errani showcased her skills, but Vavassori stumbled briefly. Nevertheless, they sealed their victory after converting one of four match points, fulfilling their dream with a final error from Young.