As the US Open draws closer, excitement and anticipation continue to build among tennis enthusiasts all over the world. With new faces and old favorites taking to the court, there is always something to look forward to in this grand slam event. However, this year’s mixed doubles draw has caused quite a stir with one odd pairing standing out among the rest – the defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori from Italy.
While most of the pairings are comprised of traditional doubles players, the Italian duo has raised eyebrows with their untraditional partnership. However, this unexpected pairing has caught the attention of many, including Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, who has come out in support of Errani and Vavassori.
The defending champions seem to have faced some unfair treatment in the lead up to the tournament, with many questioning their ability to defend their title. This prompted Gauff’s former coach, Jean-Christophe Faurel, to rally behind the team and shed light on their incredible journey to the top.
Sara Errani, known for her exceptional skills on clay courts, has had a remarkable career in women’s doubles, claiming five grand slam titles and reaching the number one ranking in 2013. On the other hand, her partner Andrea Vavassori has made a name for himself in men’s doubles, winning the Australian Open earlier this year alongside his partner Ivan Dodig.
Despite their individual successes, the pair faced criticism when they first joined forces for the US Open last year. However, they proved all their doubters wrong by lifting the trophy, showcasing their unique chemistry and skills on the court. And now, they are back to defend their title and silence any naysayers.
But their journey has not been without its challenges. In the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many tournaments to be canceled, affecting players’ training and preparation for the US Open. For Errani and Vavassori, it meant not being able to play together for almost a year, but their determination and hard work have brought them back together for this year’s event.
Their reunion has not been smooth sailing either, with the pair facing a tough draw at the US Open. They will face some top-ranked players, including the number one seeded team of Barbora Krejcikova and Rajeev Ram in the first round. But as they say, pressure makes diamonds, and these two champions have proved time and again that they thrive under pressure.
Their commitment and dedication to their game are also evident in their performance at the recent National Bank Open in Montreal, where they reached the semifinals. It was a crucial warm-up tournament for the US Open, and their impressive run is a testament to their resilience and hunger to defend their title.
Despite their impressive record, Errani and Vavassori faced some unfair treatment when they were not allowed to choose their preferred court for their matches at the National Bank Open. This sparked criticism from Gauff’s ex-coach, who took to Twitter to express his disappointment and question the fairness in the sport.
Faurel’s tweet sparked a conversation on social media, with many coming to the defense of the defending champions and highlighting the discrimination they have faced. It also shed light on the need for equal treatment of all players, regardless of their ranking or reputation.
In a sport that prides itself on sportsmanship and fairness, it is disheartening to see players facing such discrimination. However, with the support of their fellow players and fans, Errani and Vavassori are determined to overcome these challenges and showcase their talent at the US Open once again.
Their journey may seem unconventional, but it is this untraditional pairing that has captured the hearts of many and inspired tennis enthusiasts all over the world. Their success at the US Open last year was a testament to their teamwork, determination, and hard work, and we can only expect the same from them this year.
So, as we gear up for another exhilarating US Open, let us not discount the defending champions and their incredible journey. Let us instead rally behind Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori and support them as they fight to defend their title and prove their critics wrong. After all, in the words of Faurel, “Tennis is not just a matter of rankings, but also a matter of hearts.”
