The moment everyone’s been waiting for is here! The final slam of the season. And it’s time for the highly anticipated mixed doubles event. What began as a new format met with skepticism turned into pure excitement when a star-studded entry list dropped a month ago. To kick things off, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu faced Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula. Two British No.1s on the same court, a US Open champion and a runner-up across the net. The match had it all. But one thing caught Pegula’s eye!
On Tuesday night, Draper and Pegula took center stage in New York. They toppled Alcaraz and Raducanu’s pairing with a sharp 4-2, 4-2 win. The new shortened format is part of the US Open’s bold “reimagination” of mixed doubles. But for Pegula, it wasn’t just the win. It was the energy. The fans filled every seat, cheering relentlessly, and that roar sold it for Jessica.
In her post-match interview, Draper summed it up first. He told the crowd it “doesn’t get better than this.” Then it was Pegula’s turn. A little cheeky, she admitted what the night meant to her compared to other tournaments. “The stadium’s been packed, so thanks everyone for showing up. That was such a fun atmosphere! Even if it meant a couple highlight shots by Carlos, it was still really fun.” And it’s true! When it came to the highlights, there were plenty.
“ARE YOU KIDDING?!” says Emma
Alcaraz refuses to give up on the point and finds the pass! @carlosalcaraz @EmmaRaducanu #USOpen
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 19, 2025
Even in defeat, Alcaraz lit up the court. His flair came alive in the second set, early in the second game. Draper fired a return past Raducanu, and it looked finished. Suddenly, Alcaraz sprinted behind her, curling the ball around the net. Point won, 15-40. The Arthur Ashe crowd exploded. Pegula, watching it unfold, could only grin at the outrageous shot she didn’t see coming.
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