Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula missed out on a US Open mixed-doubles final after a dramatic semi-final against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. The Polish-Norwegian pairing edged ahead in a tight clash that swung on a deciding tiebreak, denying Britain’s top-ranked men’s player and the American No. 1 a shot at the title.
Draper and Pegula had been the top seeds and opened the event with wins, including a first-round victory over Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz. On Wednesday night, under the Arthur Ashe Stadium roof, they looked set to push into the final when they led 8-4 in the deciding tiebreak of the semi-final, but Swiatek and Ruud rattled off six points in a row to seal it 10-8 in the tiebreak and move on.
In the final, Errani and Vavassori — who had entered the tournament via wildcard — preserved their title in the reimagined format that drew several top singles players. They defeated Swiatek and Ruud 6-3 5-7 (10-6) to claim back-to-back mixed doubles crowns, with Errani noting the achievement as a triumph for the doubles players who don’t always get the spotlight.
Draper acknowledged the unusual nature of the pairing, saying the last-minute partnership with Pegula came after both of his originally planned partners, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, withdrew due to injury. He admitted he wasn’t fully aware of Pegula’s doubles prowess before the event, though she quickly proved a major asset in the opening set. Draper, who has not played a singles match since Wimbledon due to an arm injury, felt the semi-final produced a more serious, intense atmosphere than Tuesday’s exhibition-style match.
Summary of key results:
– First round: Pegula/Draper defeated Raducanu/Alcaraz.
– Quarter-finals: Pegula/Draper advanced to the semis; Errani/Vavassori defeated Muchova/Rublev; Swiatek/Ruud beat McNally/Musetti.
– Semi-finals: Swiatek/Ruud beat Pegula/Draper; Errani/Harrison beat Collins/Harrison.
– Final: Errani/Vavassori defeated Swiatek/Ruud to retain the title (6-3 5-7 [10-6]).
What this means going forward:
– The event’s format, aimed at attracting big-name singles players to doubles action, continues to generate excitement and controversy, underscoring the evolving landscape of doubles at the US Open.
– For Draper, the experience of playing on the big stage could prove valuable as he pursues a return to full singles form after his injury, while Pegula’s doubles versatility remains a notable weapon.
– Errani and Vavassori’s victory reinforces the case for strong doubles specialists to be featured prominently, delivering a showcase that can boost interest in the doubles game among fans.
Brief takeaway:
Errani and Vavassori’s ability to defy the odds and defend their title in a wildcard-entry year highlights the depth of doubles talent and the enduring appeal of the format, even as top singles players mix it with doubles for the US Open’s innovative competition. If you’re looking for a positive takeaway, this final capped a tournament that blended high-level doubles skill with star power and produced a compelling conclusion on Arthur Ashe Stadium.