Jack Draper’s mixed doubles partner Jessica Pegula issued an apology to the British player following a critical error in the US Open semi-finals, which dashed their chances of securing the $1 million prize at Flushing Meadows.
Draper and Pegula showcased impressive performances at the Grand Slam event, defeating top-tier opponents like Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Daniil Medvedev, and Mirra Andreeva in consecutive matches. Their momentum continued as they took the lead in the first set against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
Despite their initial success, Swiatek and Ruud mounted a comeback in the second set, forcing the match into a tiebreak where Draper and Pegula initially held the advantage. However, a series of lost points allowed their opponents to seize victory and advance to the final, eliminating them from the competition.
Pegula’s pivotal mistake came when she chose to volley a shot from Swiatek, enabling the Wimbledon champion to secure the winning point. Pegula, visibly distraught, expressed regret to Draper post-match, acknowledging her error and expressing disappointment at letting him down.
In a post-match interview, Pegula shared her feelings of sadness, emphasizing her desire to continue playing and praising their teamwork. Draper, on the other hand, commended Pegula for her outstanding performance in the first set, refusing to place blame on her for the defeat.
Their partnership faced a moment of tension earlier in the tournament when Draper downplayed the importance of mixed doubles, prompting Pegula to reprimand him publicly. She later apologized for the incident during a press conference, emphasizing their camaraderie on the court.
The duo’s journey at the US Open came to an end with a mix of disappointment and gratitude for their shared experience, highlighting the highs and lows of competitive tennis.
