In the electrifying atmosphere of the 2025 US Open, Jack Draper, Britain’s rising tennis star, has found an enthusiastic supporter in his mixed doubles partner, Jessica Pegula. The American world No. 4, who teamed up with Draper for a memorable run to the semifinals, believes the 23-year-old has the talent to challenge the sport’s biggest names, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite an injury-forced withdrawal from the singles event, Draper’s dynamic play alongside Pegula showcased his potential to shake up the men’s game, provided he can overcome his fitness challenges.
Draper and Pegula’s partnership was an unexpected delight at Flushing Meadows. Initially slated to play with other partners—Draper with Zheng Qinwen and then Paula Badosa, and Pegula with Tommy Paul—both found themselves paired after last-minute withdrawals. Their chemistry was instant, fueled by a shared sense of humor and competitive drive. “Yeah, it was a lot of fun,” Pegula said, reflecting on their time together. “We didn’t really know each other at all, but we got along really well. He’s very dry, British humor, but I’m also very dry. So I think that’s why we got along very quickly within the span of a couple days.” Their camaraderie translated into on-court success, as they stormed past high-profile pairs like Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz (4-2, 4-2) and Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev (4-1, 4-1) to reach the semifinals.
Pegula, a seasoned doubles player with seven career titles and a former world No. 1 in the discipline, was particularly impressed by Draper’s raw talent. Despite his limited doubles experience, he adapted swiftly, using his powerful serve and aggressive net play to complement her steady baseline game. Their run ended against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a thrilling semifinal (3-5, 5-3, 10-8), but not before they left a lasting impression. “Unfortunately, obviously he had to pull out,” Pegula said of Draper’s singles withdrawal due to an arm injury. “So I hope he can get healthy. Obviously, super talented. And I feel like he’s probably up there with someone that can take out, you know, a Sinner or Alcaraz. But you’ve got to stay healthy.”
Draper’s 2025 season has been a tale of promise and setbacks. Ranked world No. 5, he has shown he can compete with the best, notably defeating Alcaraz in the Indian Wells semifinal to reach his first Masters 1000 final. However, injuries have plagued his consistency, with an arm issue forcing him to retire before his second-round US Open singles match against Zizou Bergs. Pegula, who knew of his arm troubles during their doubles campaign, expressed optimism about his recovery. “I kind of knew his arm wasn’t great in the doubles,” she admitted during a press conference, yet she remained confident in his potential to return stronger.
The US Open mixed doubles event, reimagined with a star-studded field and a $1 million prize, provided a stage for Draper to shine. His performance against Alcaraz and Raducanu was particularly notable, with Pegula’s court craft and Draper’s relentless energy overwhelming the fan-favorite pair. “I felt like once we got going, it seemed like it was going to be a better partnership than maybe I even thought,” Pegula said, reflecting on their unexpected synergy. Their victory over Medvedev and Andreeva further highlighted Draper’s ability to perform under pressure, even with limited preparation time between matches.
Off the court, Draper’s dry wit and easygoing nature won over Pegula and her team. “I’m team Draper now, I’m behind you,” she declared, likening their press conferences to an episode of *The Office*. Their shared humor helped them navigate the high-pressure environment of Arthur Ashe Stadium, where they played to a lively crowd. Despite the loss to Swiatek and Ruud, Pegula’s faith in Draper’s future is unwavering. She sees him as a potential disruptor in a men’s game dominated by Sinner and Alcaraz, who have claimed all seven Grand Slams since 2024.
For Draper, the US Open was both a triumph and a reminder of the challenges ahead. His withdrawal from singles competition underscored the need to prioritize fitness, a point Pegula emphasized: “I’m just hoping he gets healthy and comes back strong.” With a 62.8% first-serve rate and an average of 5.8 aces per match in 2025, Draper’s game is built for success on hard courts, but staying injury-free will be key. As he looks to the future, Pegula’s endorsement carries weight. Her experience as a top singles and doubles player gives her insight into what it takes to compete at the elite level, and she believes Draper has the tools to join that echelon.
As the tennis world turns its attention to the 2026 season, Draper’s partnership with Pegula has offered a glimpse of his potential. With his powerful game, growing maturity, and newfound fans like Pegula, he’s poised to challenge the sport’s giants—if he can stay healthy. For now, Pegula’s words resonate: “He’s probably up there,” a vote of confidence in a player ready to make his mark.
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