NEW YORK — The US Open mixed doubles semi-final on Wednesday was a showcase of thrilling tennis and raw emotion, as the British-American pairing of Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula narrowly fell to the experienced duo of Neal Skupski and Desirae Krawczyk, 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 10-8.
The match, a rollercoaster lasting nearly two hours, saw all four players produce moments of brilliance under the lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium. However, the post-match focus shifted from the on-court battle to Pegula’s candid and apologetic comments regarding her previous criticism of the mixed doubles schedule, which she had labeled a "waste of time."
A Grueling Battle Under the Lights
The semi-final was a classic, tightly-contested affair with minimal separating the two teams. The first set was decided by a razor-thin margin in the tiebreak, with Skupski and Krawczyk’s superior net play proving decisive. Draper and Pegula, playing with infectious energy, fought back to claim the second set in an equally tense breaker, forcing a dramatic match tiebreak to decide who would advance to the final.
In the final race to 10 points, the momentum swung back and forth. Ultimately, the grand slam pedigree of Skupski and Krawczyk—winners of multiple major titles together—shone through. They secured a hard-fought 10-8 victory, ending the impressive run of the first-time pairing and booking their spot in the championship match.
Pegula's Public Apology and Change of Heart
Following the heart-breaking loss, a reflective Jessica Pegula addressed the media and immediately turned her attention to comments she made earlier in the tournament. After a first-round win, the world No. 5 had expressed frustration with the scheduling of mixed doubles, suggesting it was not a priority for top singles players.
On Wednesday, her perspective had completely changed. "I have to apologize for what I said about mixed doubles the other day," Pegula stated. "I absolutely loved every second of playing out there with Jack. The crowd was amazing, the atmosphere was electric. I totally get it now. It was so much fun and I’m really grateful we decided to play."
She elaborated on the unique joy of the format, contrasting it with the high-pressure environment of singles. "It’s a different kind of pressure. You’re out there with a partner, you’re trying to have fun, and you’re playing for each other. Jack was incredible and we really pushed a great team that has won multiple slams. I’m just really disappointed we lost."
Draper's Breakthrough Partnership
For Jack Draper, the tournament represented a significant and positive milestone in his young career. While known for his powerful singles game, the 22-year-old Brit showcased impressive versatility and chemistry with Pegula. Their run to the semi-finals was a highlight of his US Open campaign, which also included a third-round appearance in the men's singles draw.
Draper was full of praise for his partner and the entire experience. "Jess is an amazing player and person. It was honestly so cool to share the court with her," he said. "We connected really well, had a great game plan, and just went for it. It’s a shame we couldn’t get the win, but it was an unbelievable match and something I’ll never forget."
The partnership offered a glimpse into a potential future for Draper in team competitions, potentially even the Davis Cup. His powerful lefty serve and aggressive returns were perfectly complemented by Pegula’s rock-solid baseline consistency and sharp net play.
The Victor's Perspective and Looking Ahead
"That was an extremely tough match. Jack has a huge game and Jess is one of the best players in the world. We had to play our absolute best, especially in that match tiebreak, to get through. Hats off to them for a great tournament."
A Lesson in Perspective and Sportsmanship
The unique value of mixed doubles in promoting camaraderie and fun.
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