The 2025 US Open delivered a whirlwind of excitement, with Carlos Alcaraz clinching the men’s singles title in a dazzling display of skill and charisma. Yet, it was Jessica Pegula, the American tennis star, who stole a moment in the spotlight with a cheeky social media post that reminded fans of her earlier triumph over Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles event. As Alcaraz hoisted the trophy, Pegula took to Instagram with a playful dig, writing, “Congrats @carlitosalcarazz too bad I was the only person to beat you at the @usopen this year.” Her lighthearted jab referenced their first-round mixed doubles clash, where Pegula and her partner, Jack Draper, outclassed the fan-favorite duo of Alcaraz and Raducanu, setting the tone for a tournament filled with surprises.
The mixed doubles event, held during the US Open’s fan week on August 19, 2025, was a star-studded spectacle designed to draw crowds with its fast-paced “Fast Four” format and hefty $1 million prize for the winners. Pegula and Draper, the top seeds, faced Alcaraz and Raducanu—dubbed “Raducaraz” by enthusiastic fans—in a highly anticipated first-round match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Despite the electric atmosphere and vocal support for Alcaraz and Raducanu, Pegula and Draper dominated, securing a swift 4-2, 4-2 victory in just 51 minutes. Pegula’s doubles expertise, honed as a former world No. 1 in the discipline, complemented Draper’s aggressive net play, leaving their opponents struggling to find rhythm. A standout moment came when Alcaraz executed a jaw-dropping around-the-net forehand, prompting Raducanu to gape in astonishment, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Pegula and Draper’s chemistry propelled them further, as they stormed past Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev 4-1, 4-1 in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals. Their run showcased Pegula’s versatility and Draper’s return from a forearm injury that had sidelined him since Wimbledon. “It feels great,” Pegula said after the quarterfinal win. “We’re really excited to be able to close it out. We played against really good players, got two wins today and this has been a lot of fun.” Their campaign ended in the semifinals against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, but Pegula’s Instagram quip ensured her mixed doubles success lingered in the conversation.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz and Raducanu, though defeated, brought infectious energy to the court, smiling and laughing throughout the match. Raducanu later shared her delight on social media, posting a carousel of photos with the caption, “de locos!! @carlitosalcarazz 🎊🤩gracias partner, had so much fun,” translating to “Crazy!! Thank you partner, had so much fun.” Alcaraz responded with his own playful banter, writing, “Still waiting for those Spanish words…😝 Thank you, partner! ❤🙏🏽,” highlighting the camaraderie that defined their partnership. Their spirited performance, despite the loss, underscored the event’s appeal as a fun tune-up for the singles competition, though it drew criticism for sidelining doubles specialists.
Pegula’s own singles journey at the 2025 US Open was equally compelling. As the No. 4 seed, she reached the semifinals for the second consecutive year, defeating Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 before falling to Aryna Sabalenka. Her resilience shone through, undeterred by the loss, as she prepared for the WTA tour’s next challenges. Alcaraz, fresh off his Cincinnati Open title, powered through the men’s singles draw, defeating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in the second round and ultimately claiming the championship. Raducanu, however, faced a tougher path, exiting in the third round to Elena Rybakina, yet her performance against qualifiers earlier in the tournament signaled her return to form after injury setbacks.
The mixed doubles event, with its shortened format and primetime scheduling, sparked debate among purists who felt it diminished the role of doubles specialists. Only Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the defending champions, received a wildcard among the 16-team field dominated by singles stars. Despite the controversy, the event’s star power—featuring Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and Venus Williams alongside Alcaraz and Raducanu—drew massive crowds and viewership, fulfilling the USTA’s goal of boosting engagement. Pegula herself acknowledged the format’s quirks, noting it went “rogue” but embraced the opportunity to compete with Draper, whom she praised for his professionalism and dry humor.
As the tennis world shifts focus to the upcoming WTA and ATP tours, Pegula’s playful Instagram story keeps the US Open’s vibrant moments alive. Her ability to blend competitive fire with off-court wit, combined with Alcaraz and Raducanu’s infectious enthusiasm, encapsulates the spirit of a tournament that balanced tradition with innovation. With fans eagerly awaiting Alcaraz’s response to Pegula’s cheeky reminder, the 2025 US Open proved that the drama on and off the court is what makes tennis truly unforgettable.
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