Who could have imagined that someone like Carlos Alcaraz would get eliminated from the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles? Well, that’s true. Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula managed to defeat the ATP #2 and his partner, Emma Raducanu, with a score of 4-2, 4-2. And that happened in just 50 minutes! That means just one thing. The partnership between Draper and Pegula was far better than their competition. But can we actually say that the partnership felt like an age-old relationship?
The kind of synergy they displayed on the court was proof that the two had a strong connection, despite their minimal interaction. But the post-match interview made a reporter make a funny comment. The reporter claimed that Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper sounded like an “old married couple.”
During the post-game interview, the reporter asked the Briton about his seriousness on the court during the Mixed Doubles and what it’d mean to actually win the $1M prize. Needless to say, Draper claimed that it’d mean a lot to him. But when he said, “Obviously it is like a bit of an exhibition format. It’s nice to play with someone,” his partner let out an amused reaction.
Pegula stated, “You shouldn’t be saying that, but that’s OK.” The #5 ATP star was baffled. But Pegula cleared the air, saying, “Yeah. It’s not an exhibition. I know what you’re saying.” Yes, Draper’s depiction of the Mixed Doubles being an exhibition event seemed funny to his partner.
Nevertheless, he defended himself and claimed, “I’m hearing that a lot, it’s a bit of an exhibition, a bit of fun, why am I so locked in. It’s a good opportunity to play, do well, get a lot of points in before next week, yeah. Like, I’m enjoying being locked in. I don’t know why it’s a crime to be locked in.” Ultimately, Pegula clarified that it was actually all good. She was only “laughing at the ‘exhibition’ part.”
But the damage was already done!
Tennis: Wimbledon Championships Jul 1, 2025 Wimbledon, UNITED KINGDOM Jessica Pegula of the United States serves the ball during her match against Elisabetta Cocciaretto of Italy on day two at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club ENTER STATE United Kingdom, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xSusanxMullanex 20250701_jla_au2_397
Nevertheless, the duo had utmost respect for each other. And Draper even credited Pegula for their quarterfinal victory.
This is a developing story…
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