The Italians had been determined to prove the value of doubles players and "made their points clear". But so did the US Open organisers. Their aim was to "create a bigger stage" for a format "deemed obsolete" and the interest it has subsequently generated is "undeniable".

Even as the time crept towards midnight in the mixed doubles title match, the crowds and energy in Arthur Ashe Stadium didn’t budge. The U.S. Open’s largest court was packed for the final three matches of the reimagined mixed doubles tournament Wednesday night,

Everyone has been talking about the revamped US Open mixed doubles but the other Grand Slams are unlikely to follow suit soon.