New York, September 16, 2024—It was absolute perfection for Italian tennis star Sara Errani to wrap up an extraordinary year as she emerged victorious Sunday night with the US Open mixed doubles title. “This was an unbelievable year,” Errani said. “I worked so hard for it.” Teaming with Croatian veteran Ivan Dodig, Errani defeated the formidable duo of Americans Coco Gauff and Rajeev Ram in a thrilling final at Arthur Ashe Stadium Sunday evening for her first mixed doubles Grand Slam title.
The victory, after a close-fought 7-6 (4), 6-4 match, reflected the resiliency and tactical brilliance of Errani on the court. Her aggressive baseline play combined with Dodig’s consistency at the net became the key to slaying the powerhouse American pairing going into the contest.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Ivan,” Errani said.”We clicked from the start, and our journey together this year has been incredible. He brings out the best in me, and I’m so happy we were able to win this title together.”
Dodig agrees: “Sara’s had an incredible year, and it’s been a real pleasure to share the court with her. She is such a true fighter, and this title is deserved.”
The Match: Dirt and Pinpoint Accuracy
The final was a great display of Errani and Dodig’s maturity and temperament under pressure. The first set was on a knife-edge, going to a tiebreaker since both the teams held the serve well. It was the forehand of Errani and sharp volleys of Dodig that proved crucial for them while edging out Gauff and Ram in a tight tiebreaker by 7-6(4).
In the second set, Errani and Dodig dominated from the start broke in a best-effort return by Gauff and Ram, and maintained their momentum by winning a good service game of their own to lead 3-0. They proceeded to serve out for the set at 6-4 to take the match.
“I feel amazing right now, and I just want to keep going,” she said. “This win will give me the motivation to keep pushing and see what else I can do.”
And so, as the curtains close on the 2024 season, Sara Errani’s US Open mixed doubles final triumph will go down as just another testament to her indomitable spirit and her sheer tennis ability.
