US Open 2025: Jack Draper & Jessica Pegula fall short in mixed doubles semi-final
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Britain’s Jack Draper and American partner Jessica Pegula narrowly missed out on a spot in the new-look US Open mixed doubles final after a close battle against third seeds Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The top seeds took the first set off Swiatek and Ruud but it was the Polish, Norwegian duo who went on to seal their spot in the final after clinching a 3-5, 5-4(8), 10-8 victory.
Swiatek and Ruud later returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium for the final where they lost to Italian doubles specialists and defending US Open mixed doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.
US Open Mixed Doubles semi-final & final results
Semi-finals
- Iga Swiatek (POL) & Casper Ruud (NOR) (seeded 3) won vs Jessica Pegula (USA) and Jack Draper (GBR) (seeded 1) 3-5 5-3 (10-8)
- Sara Errani (ITA) & Andrea Vavassori (ITA) won vs Danielle Collins (USA) and Christian Harrison (USA) 4-2 4-2
Final
- Sara Errani (ITA) & Andrea Vavassori (ITA) won vs Iga Swiatek (POL) & Casper Ruud (NOR) (seeded 3) 6-3 5-7 (10-6)
Despite missing out on the spot in the final, it was a standout campaign for British No.1 Draper and world No.4 Pegula, who eased through to the last four following two wins including one against Grand Slam champions Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz.
Getting some competitive match points under his belt in the mixed doubles event could prove important for the British No.1, who has not played a singles match since his second round exit at Wimbledon due to an arm injury.
Speaking on the tournament and competing alongside Pegula, Draper said, “I enjoyed the competition,” Draper said following . “I loved it, playing alongside Jessica. I wasn’t expecting probably to have as good of a time as I did.
“Honestly, I thought we played great. Tonight was a tough match. They were on good form. But just overall a really positive experience. Loved playing with you (Pegula) - I hope to do it again."
In a mouthwatering semi-final clash against Swiatek - who had lifted her 24th career title at the Cincinnati Open just 48 hours prior - and former US Open runner-up Ruud, it was the top seeds who got off to a flying start, breaking their opponents twice to claim the opening set.
Draper and Pegula looked to have taken the reigns of the match when they also raced out to an early break in the second but Swiatek and Ruud shifted the tide to win four of the last five games and level the scoreboard to a set apiece.
Competing in front of another packed crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Draper and Pegula looked well on their way to victory in the match-deciding tie-break as they opened up an 8-4 lead.
However, Swiatek and Ruud dug deep to win the last six points in a row as the reigning Wimbledon champion confirmed her team's spot in the final with a backhand volley at the net.
Draper will now turn his focus to the singles draw on Sunday 24 August, where he is bidding to back up his run to the semi-finals last year.
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