Paris, June 5: Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori made history at Roland-Garros on Thursday, clinching their maiden mixed doubles title at the French Open with a straight-sets win over Americans Taylor Townsend and Evan King, 6-4, 6-2. The victory also marked a historic moment for Italian tennis, as Errani and Vavassori became the first mixed doubles champions from their country in Paris since 1958.
Playing on the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier under a cool, overcast sky, the Italian duo delivered a commanding performance that left a lasting impression on the crowd. The atmosphere was vibrant, with fans packing into the lower stands to witness the season’s first silverware ceremony at the Grand Slam.
The tone was set in the seventh game of the opening set during a dramatic, extended rally that ended with Errani hammering a powerful smash past King. Moments later, the Italians secured the first break of the match when Townsend narrowly missed the sideline on a crucial point at 3-3. Though King saved three set points on his serve, Vavassori held firm to seal the set in 42 minutes.
Despite a light drizzle at the start of the second set, Errani and Vavassori stayed in rhythm, quickly grabbing a break to go up 1-0. Townsend briefly ignited hopes of an American comeback, fighting back from 0-40 down with a flurry of brilliance at the net, earning the loudest cheers of the day. But the Italians weren’t to be denied. They closed out the match in style, winning the final three games to capture their second Grand Slam mixed doubles title, adding to last year’s US Open triumph.
Townsend, gracious in defeat, addressed the crowd with heartfelt words, saying, “This means a lot to me personally because Evan and I grew up on the south side of Chicago. I hope us standing here shows that you can do it, no matter where you come from.” She confirmed the pair would reunite at Wimbledon to try again.
For King, 33, the match was part of a breakthrough fortnight, as he is also into the men’s doubles semi-finals with partner Christian Harrison.
Errani, who is also in the women’s doubles semi-finals alongside Jasmine Paolini, was emotional during the trophy ceremony. “Congrats to Evan and Taylor – it was so tough to play against you. And thank you to Andrea, my best friend. You played an incredible tournament,” she said, smiling at her partner. “It’s amazing to see so many people watching mixed doubles. Let’s hope I’ll see you all again next year.”
With a display of flair, resilience, and chemistry, Errani and Vavassori’s triumph adds a proud new chapter to Italian tennis at Roland-Garros.
With their triumph on the red clay of Paris, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori not only etched their names into the history books but also reignited Italian pride at Roland-Garros after more than six decades. (AP)
