US Open stars make feelings clear after accusing tournament of 'profound injustice'

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are through to the semi-finals of the reimagined US Open mixed doubles tournament - and they have a point to prove. The Italians were the only doubles specialist pair to gain entry into the exclusive 16-team field, receiving a wildcard after lifting the trophy last year, when the regular mixed doubles format was used.

But they were very critical when a huge overhaul of the event, which now prioritises singles players, was announced earlier this year. In a joint statement, the reigning champions branded it a "profound injustice" and accused organisers of a money grab.

They still decided to accept a wildcard into the tournament. On Tuesday, they took out Taylor Fritz and Elena Rybakina, who were the No. 2 seeds based on their combined singles ranking, in the first round.

"We're also playing for all the doubles players that could not compete here," Vavassori told the crowd after the match. They went on to reach the semi-finals, beating Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova.

After getting a taste of the revamped tournament - which uses a shortened scoring format until the final and is only played across two days - Vavassori made his feelings clear as he claimed they wanted to "send a message" about the skills possessed by doubles specialists.

"Honestly we felt a bit before stepping on court our mission was to play this tournament. We were not sure during the year," the current doubles world No. 2 said.

"Like, for us was important to send a message before the tournament. When we got the wild card, when Erica called me, I was grateful to play. At least there were not so many doubles players.

"We are also playing for them. I think it's important to show also that doubles players are great players. I think our main goal in the future will be to change a little bit the narrative because singles players are amazing in singles, but doubles players are amazing in doubles. If doubles players play against singles, sometimes they play better because they are more organised.

"I think also we had so many legends in the past that played doubles well, like the Bryans here are completely legends. I think we have also maybe a little bit more in the past to see so many great players that play doubles before, now focus more in the future also, like, in the main stages."

Vavassori, who also teamed up with Errani to win the French Open mixed doubles crown this year, still saw some positives in the new tournament. The stands were packed for the first two rounds on Tuesday, but he believes the tennis world must do better at promoting doubles stars to attract more attention to the sport year-round.

He added: "I have to say that as everything, there are always positives and negatives. But the positives are for sure that the stadium was packed in the second match. It's a great thing for doubles to be seen by more people. I have to give them credit.

"I also said it before, playing this format is great for doubles and mixed doubles to develop in the future. Like create a tournament with singles stars that are more seen on the tour is a great thing for doubles.

"I always say that we need a better job in marketing doubles because if you go to see a sport and you don't know the protagonist of a sport, is impossible. You start to see more the players.

"If you, like, create the stories, the big stage, how we create also the teams, maybe be more aware of what is going on on the tour also from the doubles players' side, I think more people will get to also see doubles in the future."

Errani and Vavassori will face Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison for a spot in the final, as they hope to prove a point by lifting the title for a second year running. Both matches will be played back-to-back on Wednesday night.

To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter