Swiatek & Ruud Set for US Open Mixed Doubles Final Showdown

New York, Aug 21 (AP) — Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud are set to face defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori for the US Open mixed doubles crown and a prize of USD 1 million.

Swiatek and Ruud, seeded third, triumphed over the top-seeded duo Jessica Pegula in a thrilling semifinal match, securing victory with scores of 3-5, 5-3, 10-8 in a match tiebreaker. The gripping contest saw them rally from an 8-4 deficit in the tiebreaker, following a double fault by Swiatek, before executing an impressive run of six consecutive points to clinch the win.

Meanwhile, Errani and Vavassori displayed a solid performance to dispatch Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison with an impressive 4-2, 4-2 victory.

Both finalist teams returned to the court shortly afterward to conclude an event that unfolded over two days, noticeably ahead of the commencement of singles play scheduled for Sunday.

The weather, marked by persistent rain during the afternoon, necessitated playing the semifinal matches under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Notably, both teams had already secured two wins on Tuesday to advance to this stage.

Errani and Vavassori, voicing their disapproval of the USTA's revised format aimed at attracting top singles talent, were given wild card entries amid a revamped 16-team field. Eight teams qualified through combined singles rankings, with remaining teams like the Italian pair receiving wild cards. They now have a chance to be the first title defenders at Flushing Meadows since Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jamie Murray in 2018-19.

"I think we are on a mission," commented Vavassori.

The tournament's final match promises a return to traditional form, with sets played to six games. Earlier rounds featured shorter sets to four games, with deciding points played at deuce instead of requiring a two-point advantage to win.

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