The US Open’s revamped mixed doubles tournament, with its $1 million prize and star-studded line-up, promised high-octane tennis action, but it was an off-court moment that captured the imagination of fans at Flushing Meadows. In a first-round clash that pitted Britain’s top talents against each other, Emma Raducanu, partnered with Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz, faced off against Jack Draper and American Jessica Pegula. While the match itself was a thrilling display of skill, it was the post-match exchange at the net that set social media ablaze, with fans speculating about “ex vibes” between Raducanu and Draper.
The match, played on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Draper and Pegula, the top seeds, dominate with a commanding 4-2, 4-2 victory in the new shortened format. From the outset, the No. 1 seeds asserted their authority, breaking Alcaraz’s serve in the opening game and maintaining relentless pressure. Despite a valiant effort from Raducanu and Alcaraz, including a jaw-dropping around-the-net winner from Alcaraz that left Raducanu in disbelief, the British-American duo’s synergy proved too strong. Draper’s aggressive baseline play and Pegula’s doubles expertise, honed from her time as the world’s No. 1 in doubles, secured their spot in the semi-finals against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
However, the real drama unfolded after the final point. As the players approached the net for the customary handshake, the interaction between Raducanu and Draper raised eyebrows. While Alcaraz and Pegula shared a warm embrace, and Alcaraz pulled Draper into a friendly hug, Raducanu opted for a curt handshake with her fellow Brit. The moment, described by fans as “awkward,” sparked a flurry of online chatter. Some speculated about tension between the two, with comments like “ex vibes” flooding social media, despite no evidence of a romantic history between Raducanu and Draper. Raducanu then hugged Pegula, whom she had faced in a grueling three-set match at the Miami Open earlier in the year, while Alcaraz and Draper’s embrace suggested no such frostiness.
The backdrop to this moment adds layers to the narrative. Earlier in the summer, when the US Open announced its blockbuster mixed doubles pairings, Raducanu’s decision to team up with Alcaraz, the world’s No. 2 and a five-time Grand Slam champion, instead of Draper, Britain’s No. 1 male player, raised questions. Draper, ever gracious, addressed the choice with humor during a press conference at Queen’s Club in June. “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz,” he said, smiling. “I don’t blame her at all for that. I think she will have a lot of fun playing with Carlos. He’s obviously the best player in the world probably right now, along with Sinner.” His lighthearted response deflected any suggestion of rivalry, but the net exchange reignited speculation about underlying dynamics.
Raducanu and Alcaraz’s partnership, dubbed “AlcarCanu” by fans, had been a focal point of excitement leading up to the tournament. Their friendship, forged during their breakout runs at the 2021 US Open, where Raducanu claimed the women’s singles title, added a layer of intrigue. Alcaraz, fresh off a Cincinnati Open title and a late-night flight to New York, had described Raducanu as “the boss” of their team, a playful nod to their dynamic. “I’ve known Emma for a really long time, and I have a really good relationship with her,” he said earlier in the summer. Raducanu echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their “genuine connection” from their early days on tour. Their on-court chemistry was evident, with fist bumps and laughter between points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the seasoned pairing of Draper and Pegula.
For Raducanu, the match was a chance to shine on a big stage again, having battled injuries and inconsistent form since her 2021 US Open triumph. Her decision to partner with Alcaraz was strategic, aiming to leverage his doubles prowess, seen alongside Rafael Nadal at the Olympics. Meanwhile, Draper, who had been nursing a forearm injury since Wimbledon, showcased his resilience, partnering with Pegula after his original partners, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, withdrew. The victory marked a strong return for Draper, who later reflected on the match’s intensity. “I haven’t hit a ball yet,” Pegula quipped to her team during the match, a testament to Draper’s dominance.
The crowd at Arthur Ashe, despite cheering for the home favorite Pegula, was captivated by Raducanu and Alcaraz’s star power. Their loss didn’t dampen the party-like atmosphere, with fans marveling at moments like Alcaraz’s spectacular shot-making. Yet, it was the fleeting, awkward handshake between Raducanu and Draper that lingered in the headlines, proving that in tennis, sometimes the drama off the court outshines the action on it.
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