Iga Swiatek falls just short in US Open mixed doubles final and makes confession

Iga Swiatek fell just short of adding a Grand Slam mixed doubles title to her collection after she and Casper Ruud lost in three tight sets 3-6 7-5 6-10 to Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the US Open final.

Early in the match, the Polish/Norwegian fell behind by a break but managed to return it, only to lose their serve once again in the eighth game and ultimately drop the opener. 

It soon went from bad to worse for Swiatek and Ruud, who found themselves 3-5 down in the second set. On the brink of the loss, the No. 3 seeds impressively responded by winning the next four games – stealing the second set – and forcing a decider.

But then, the two singles stars disappointingly lost the opening four points of the match tie-break, and there was no coming back from that as Errani and Vavassori won the final after realizing their second championship points.

Errani and Vavassori, who also won the US Open mixed doubles title last year, spoke strongly against the revamped format. But they ultimately received a wildcard and made a major statement by winning the tournament.

Swiatek to Errani, Vavassori: Doubles players are better tactically than singles players

“I guess doubles players are better tactically than singles players,” the Polish six-time Grand Slam champion admitted.

Also, Swiatek showed gratitude and respect for her mixed doubles partner Ruud.

“I want to thank the tournament for the opportunity for us to play when we could. We always focus on singles but now we had the opportunity to play mixed together. I really enjoyed it. Thanks Casper for texting me. I guess we agreed on that, who started it. I always had a huge amount of respect for you. You know that. Sharing the court with you has been amazing,” the Pole told her Norwegian partner.

For both Swiatek and Ruud, this was their first Grand Slam final outside of singles. The Pole captured her sixth Slam title at this past Wimbledon, while the Norwegian lost all of his first three Major finals in singles.