The US Open mixed doubles competition has been nothing short of thrilling this year, culminating in some unexpected twists and captivating battles on the court. Among the standout performances, the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Fabio Fognini have shown resilience and skill that reignites the excitement around mixed doubles play—often the most unpredictable event at Grand Slams.

Sara Errani and Fabio Fognini are seasoned champions with a wealth of experience. Both have bright singles careers but have found remarkable success in doubles. Errani, in particular, has a storied doubles pedigree, having reached the world No. 1 ranking in doubles and collected several Grand Slam doubles titles previously, while Fognini, famed for his flair and fighting spirit, brings intensity and tactical nous to the partnership. Together, they have lifted two Grand Slam mixed doubles trophies in the past, making them formidable contenders at the US Open.

Their journey to the later stages has been a testament to their chemistry and tactical awareness on court. In a gripping quarterfinal clash, they faced the pairing of Christian Harrison and Danielle Collins. Harrison, an American player known for his tenacity, teamed with Collins, an aggressive baseline fighter, made for a challenging opposition.

The Italians began the match with authority, capturing the first set 4-1, showcasing their well-honed net play and spirited baseline rallies. Just when the match seemed to be tilting their way, Harrison and Collins regrouped, refusing to concede easily. They fought back stoutly, tying the second set at 4-4 and forcing a tense tiebreak situation.

With nerves of steel, Errani and Fognini elevated their game in the decider, executing sharp volleys and deft lobs to clinch the tiebreak 7-4. This victory underscored their experience in pressure moments—something that often separates great doubles pairs from the rest. After the match, Errani reflected on their journey: “We’ve had our ups and downs over the years, but now we’re finding our rhythm and confidence. It’s a special feeling to be back in this position.”

Historically, mixed doubles has often been a showcase for players who combine solid net skills with strategic play. The US Open, one of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournaments, introduced mixed doubles early in its history—first held in 1892. Over the decades, legends like Billie Jean King and Bob Bryan have graced this competition, lifting the trophy with style. King, a trailblazer for women’s tennis and gender equality in sport, won the US Open mixed doubles title multiple times in the 1960s and 70s, cementing the event’s place in tennis lore.

Errani and Fognini’s upcoming semifinal opponents, Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, present an entirely different challenge. Draper, a rising British talent known for his powerful serve and athleticism, and Pegula, a top-ten player with a steady all-court game, are the top seeds of the mixed doubles draw. Their success here is powered by their impressive singles rankings and fearless approach to doubles. This pair recently eliminated Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev, both strong singles contenders with complementary styles—Bencic’s crafty shot-making and Zverev’s powerful groundstrokes.

Draper and Pegula’s path to the semifinals has showcased their growing chemistry as a team. Pegula is well-versed in doubles strategy, having reached the quarterfinals in women’s doubles Grand Slams before, while Draper’s youthful energy injects unpredictability. Together, they combine explosive baseline power with smart volleying.

What makes this upcoming semifinal clash so tantalizing is the contrasting approach of the two teams. The Italians rely heavily on their deep understanding of doubles movement, poaching, and tactical shot selection developed over years. Draper and Pegula, by contrast, leverage their raw power and aggressive baseline play, blending it with moments of deft finesse at the net.

Mixed doubles, often overshadowed by singles drama, deserves more credit for these battles. It is a format where communication and quick instincts shine, and where individual stars must meld into a unified pair almost instantly. It’s a reminder that tennis is not only a test of physical prowess but also a chess game played at lightning speed.

Beyond this year’s draw, the US Open itself holds numerous historical firsts in mixed doubles. One of the most remarkable achievements came in 2017 when Martina Hingis, a former world No.1 in both singles and doubles, captured the mixed doubles title alongside Jamie Murray, brother of Andy Murray. Hingis’ ability to reinvent herself as a doubles specialist after her singles career offer fascinating insights into the adaptability required to succeed in this format.

As the tournament edges closer to the final, the question remains: can the experienced Italians who have snatched two Grand Slam mixed doubles crowns before, overcome the fresh, dynamic duo of Draper and Pegula? The answer will unfold with every serve, volley, and rally played on the court. Tennis fans can anticipate a match sprinkled with sharp angles, clever teamwork, and the kind of competition that makes mixed doubles such a beloved part of the US Open’s rich tradition.

Whether it’s the grit and guile of Errani and Fognini or the youthful vigor and power of Draper and Pegula, one thing is certain—the battle for the US Open mixed doubles title will be a match worth watching, and a perfect example of how in tennis, teamwork can truly serve up some magic.