Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori defended their U.S. Open mixed doubles title Wednesday, defeating Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud to claim the $1 million

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.

Italians Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori retained their mixed doubles title at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, overcoming Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud 6-3 5-7 10-6 in the competition's reimagined format that drew some of the top singles players.