Jack Draper & Jessica Pegula Stun Star Duo as Raducanu-Alcaraz Crumble in US Open Mixed Doubles Opener…Read More…
The US Open is no stranger to drama, surprises, and storylines that light up Flushing Meadows under the New York night sky. On Tuesday evening, spectators witnessed one of the most unexpected twists of this year’s tournament as British rising star Jack Draper and American powerhouse Jessica Pegula combined to knock out two of the sport’s biggest names—Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz—in the opening round of the mixed doubles.
The matchup had been billed as a glamorous showdown. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, teamed up with reigning men’s world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, creating a dream pairing that had fans buzzing. Both players, known for their charisma and explosive shot-making, were expected to cruise past their opponents. Draper, though talented, remains on the cusp of breaking fully into tennis’ top echelon, while Pegula, despite her consistent singles success and doubles pedigree, entered the tournament with little fanfare. But sport has a way of upending expectations, and on Court 17, Draper and Pegula turned underdog status into a statement of intent.
A Match That Defied Predictions
From the first ball, it was clear that Draper and Pegula had come with a strategy—targeting Raducanu’s return positioning and forcing Alcaraz into awkward volleys at the net. Draper, standing tall with his booming lefty serve, opened proceedings with an ace down the T, setting the tone. Pegula, ever composed and sharp at the net, complemented him with razor-quick reflexes that left Raducanu scrambling to find her rhythm.
Alcaraz, usually electric in mixed doubles exhibitions, seemed slightly out of sync in the early exchanges. His heavy topspin groundstrokes, so lethal in singles, often sailed long when angled toward Draper’s backhand. Raducanu, meanwhile, appeared unsettled by the pressure of carrying British expectations in her return to Flushing Meadows. Her forehand, normally her anchor, misfired at crucial junctures, handing Pegula and Draper early breaks.
The first set slipped away quickly, 6-3, in favor of Draper and Pegula, who raised their fists in unison as the crowd gasped at the unfolding upset.
Raducanu & Alcaraz Fight Back
The second set, however, showcased the star duo’s undeniable talent. Alcaraz found his swagger, cracking two consecutive winners down the line that had fans leaping from their seats. Raducanu steadied her nerves, connecting with a flurry of clean backhands to hold serve under pressure. They surged ahead 4-2, and the momentum seemed to be shifting in their favor.
Yet Draper and Pegula refused to be intimidated. Draper dug deep in a marathon seventh game, saving three break points with fearless serving and a gutsy drop volley that clipped the net cord before tumbling over. The moment drew a standing ovation, and the tide subtly began to turn once more.
Pegula, whose doubles instincts have been honed across countless WTA tournaments, anticipated Raducanu’s crosscourt forehand at 4-4, intercepting with a reflex volley winner that swung the set’s balance. Draper then unleashed a monstrous forehand return to break Alcaraz’s serve at love, stunning the Spaniard. Minutes later, they sealed the match 6-3, 7-5, sending shockwaves through the US Open.
A Statement Victory
For Draper, the victory marks another significant step in his development. The 22-year-old has long been touted as one of Britain’s brightest prospects, but injuries and inconsistency have often stalled his progress. Sharing the court with Pegula, he looked composed and confident, showing flashes of maturity that could bode well for his singles career.
Pegula, on the other hand, continues to demonstrate her versatility. Already a force in women’s singles, she has quietly built a reputation as a doubles contender, and this result adds further weight to her credentials. Speaking after the match, Pegula expressed both joy and humility.
“It was a really fun match,” she said, smiling. “We knew Emma and Carlos were going to have the crowd and the attention, but Jack and I just focused on what we could control. We stayed aggressive, communicated well, and trusted each other. That made all the difference.”
What Next for Raducanu & Alcaraz?
For Raducanu and Alcaraz, the loss is a bitter pill. Many fans had hoped the pair would mount a deep run in the mixed doubles draw, both for the spectacle and the storyline. Alcaraz, who remains a contender in singles, admitted that the partnership didn’t quite click in time.
“We had fun out there,” Alcaraz said. “But Draper and Jessica played amazing. We couldn’t quite find our best level together, and in mixed doubles, sometimes the chemistry takes time. Credit to them—they deserved it.”
Raducanu, still rebuilding confidence after injuries and form struggles, appeared disappointed but maintained perspective. “Of course, it stings to lose early,” she admitted. “But it’s always special to play here in New York. Carlos and I wanted to give the fans a show, and even if we came up short, it was still an experience I’ll remember.”
The Bigger Picture
This first-round shocker may prove to be one of the defining stories of the US Open’s early days. For Draper and Pegula, it opens a pathway toward a potential deep run in the draw. Their mix of youth and experience, power and finesse, could make them one of the dark horses of the tournament.
For fans, the match reinforced why the US Open remains the most unpredictable Slam—where reputations mean little, and underdogs thrive under the city lights. Draper and Pegula’s victory over Raducanu and Alcaraz is not just an upset; it’s a reminder that in tennis, partnerships are built on trust, communication, and resilience as much as talent.
As the tournament rolls on, all eyes will now watch whether Draper and Pegula can ride this wave of momentum. If Tuesday’s performance was any indication, they might just be the duo to watch in New York.
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