The 2025 US Open was a spectacle of athletic prowess and off-court charm, with Carlos Alcaraz claiming the men’s singles title in a breathtaking display of talent and tenacity. Yet, American star Jessica Pegula carved out her own moment of fame with a cheeky Instagram post that playfully reminded fans of her victory over Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu in the tournament’s innovative mixed doubles event. As Alcaraz celebrated his singles crown, Pegula quipped on social media, “Congrats @carlitosalcarazz too bad I was the only person to beat you at the @usopen this year.” Her sly comment harked back to the first-round mixed doubles match where she and partner Jack Draper outshone the crowd-favorite pairing of Alcaraz and Raducanu, setting a lively tone for a tournament brimming with drama and excitement.
Held on August 19, 2025, during the US Open’s fan week, the mixed doubles event introduced a fast-paced “Fast Four” format and a lucrative $1 million prize, drawing a star-studded lineup to Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pegula and Draper, the top seeds, faced the dynamic duo of Alcaraz and Raducanu—affectionately dubbed “Raducaraz” by fans—in a highly anticipated clash. The electric atmosphere couldn’t propel Alcaraz and Raducanu past Pegula’s doubles mastery and Draper’s sharp net play, as the top seeds secured a decisive 4-2, 4-2 win in just 51 minutes. A highlight was Alcaraz’s stunning around-the-net forehand, which left Raducanu visibly awestruck, but it couldn’t shift the match’s momentum. Pegula’s experience as a former doubles world No. 1 and Draper’s aggressive style proved too much for their opponents.
Pegula and Draper’s synergy carried them to the quarterfinals, where they dispatched Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev 4-1, 4-1 with ease. “It feels great,” Pegula said after the 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 run ended in the semifinals against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, but Pegula’s social media jab kept her doubles success in the spotlight. Draper, returning from a forearm injury that sidelined him since Wimbledon, credited Pegula’s leadership for their strong showing, noting her ability to balance intensity with a relaxed approach.
Despite their defeat, Alcaraz and Raducanu brought infectious joy to the court, their smiles and laughter endearing them to fans. Raducanu later posted on Instagram, “de locos!! @carlitosalcarazz gracias partner, had so much fun,” translating to “Crazy!! Thank you partner, had so much fun.” Alcaraz replied with his own playful nudge, “Still waiting for those Spanish words… Thank you, partner! ❤🙏🏽,” showcasing the camaraderie that made their partnership a fan favorite. While their loss highlighted the event’s competitive edge, it also served as a lively warm-up for their singles campaigns, though it sparked debate for prioritizing singles stars over doubles specialists.
In singles, Pegula shone as the No. 4 seed, reaching the US Open semifinals for the second year running. She dispatched Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 6-3 before falling to Aryna Sabalenka, displaying resilience that sets her up well for the WTA tour’s next challenges. Alcaraz, riding the momentum of his Cincinnati Open title, dominated the men’s draw, cruising past Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-0, 6-3 in the second round en route to his US Open triumph. Raducanu, however, faced a tougher road, bowing out in the third round to Elena Rybakina. Still, her strong showings against qualifiers hinted at a resurgence after previous injury struggles.
The mixed doubles event, with its condensed format and primetime slot, stirred controversy among traditionalists who argued it marginalized doubles specialists. Only Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, the defending champions, earned a wildcard in a field dominated by singles stars like Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, and Venus Williams. Yet, the event’s star power drew massive crowds, fulfilling the USTA’s aim to boost fan engagement. Pegula embraced the format’s unconventional nature, calling it “rogue” but praising the chance to team up with Draper, whom she lauded for his professionalism and subtle humor.
As the tennis world turns to the upcoming WTA and ATP tours, Pegula’s witty Instagram post keeps the US Open’s vibrant moments alive. Her blend of competitive fire and off-court charm, alongside Alcaraz and Raducanu’s infectious energy, captures the essence of a tournament that married tradition with bold innovation. With fans buzzing about Pegula’s playful taunt and awaiting Alcaraz’s response, the 2025 US Open proved that the magic of tennis lies as much in its personalities as in its play.
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