Jack Draper’s partner in the mixed doubles, Jessica Pegula, issued an apology to the British player following an error she made during the US Open semi-finals, leading to a missed opportunity to win 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 and Emma Raducanu in straight sets before securing a dominant 4-1, 4-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva.
Facing renowned players Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, Draper and Pegula started positively by clinching the first set 5-3. However, their opponents fought back in the second set, forcing a tiebreak where Draper and Pegula initially held a lead but ultimately lost six consecutive points, allowing Swiatek and Ruud to advance to the final.
During a crucial moment in the match, Pegula made a critical error by attempting a volley against a shot from Swiatek, which ultimately led to their defeat. Pegula expressed regret after the match, acknowledging her mistake and feeling disappointed for potentially letting Draper down.
Despite Pegula taking responsibility for the error, Draper emphasized that they were a team and commended Pegula for her exceptional performance in the first set, where he felt he underperformed. The duo shared a positive rapport on the court, motivating each other throughout the match.
Earlier in the tournament, Pegula had reprimanded Draper for considering the mixed doubles as merely an exhibition format. However, she later apologized for her response during a press conference, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two players.