Muchova and Mensik capture US Open mixed doubles title in dramatic final

Karolina Muchova and Jakub Mensik saved two match points in the final to defeat Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, winning 6-3 1-6 10-6 and earning $1 million. It was their first Grand Slam title together, and Mensik sealed the win with a 131mph ace on the third championship point. The pair had also saved match points in their semi-final against Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva.

The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Muchova, who underwent minor surgery shortly after losing the Wimbledon final to Linda Noskova in July. Mensik, a French Open semi-finalist this year, had never competed in mixed doubles before this week, yet his powerful serving proved decisive throughout the tournament. The pair's run included surviving match points in the semi-finals against Andrey Rublev and Mirra Andreeva before prevailing in a tense 11-9 tie-break.

The final also denied Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli, who had earlier eliminated the married duo of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the semi-finals. Monfils retires at season's end, meaning that opportunity has passed. All eight semi-finalists are entered in the US Open singles main draw, which begins Sunday.