Aryna Sabalenka returns to the US Open as the reigning champion and bookmakers’ favourite, but her 2025 season has been anything but smooth sailing.

The event sparked controversy because it excluded traditional doubles teams - except for Errani and Vavassori - at the expense of big-name singles players. The star-studded field included world No. 2 Iga Swiatek and three-time Grand Slam singles finalist Casper Ruud, who lost in the final to the Italians, 6-3, 5-7, 10-6.

Andrea Vavassori and Sara Errani were the only regular mixed doubles pair in the draw, and they were determined to win the title for the players who were snubbed from the competition