The 2025 US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event, held on August 19–20, delivered a spectacle of high-octane tennis and off-court drama that captivated fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The star-studded first-round clash between top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula and fan-favorites Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz ended with a swift 4-2, 4-2 victory for the British-American duo in just 51 minutes. However, it was the post-match interactions—and a light-hearted scolding from Pegula to Draper—that stole the spotlight, igniting social media and fueling speculation about tensions between the British No. 1s.
The match itself was a showcase of precision and power from Draper and Pegula, who capitalized on their opponents’ relative inexperience in doubles. Pegula, a former world No. 1 in doubles and current singles No. 4, brought tactical brilliance to the court, setting up Draper to dominate at the net with aggressive volleys and sharp groundstrokes. Alcaraz, fresh off a Cincinnati Open title win just 24 hours earlier, struggled to find rhythm, with his serve broken early in both sets. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, showed flashes of brilliance, saving two break points in the second set with clutch serving, but couldn’t counter the relentless pressure from the top seeds. Despite the loss, Raducanu and Alcaraz, affectionately dubbed “Raducaraz” by fans, kept the crowd buzzing with their infectious energy and occasional highlight-reel shots.
The real drama unfolded at the net during the post-match handshake. As players approached for the customary exchange, Draper leaned in, seemingly expecting a friendly hug from his compatriot Raducanu, whom he’s known since their junior days. Instead, Raducanu extended a brisk handshake, her expression neutral, before warmly embracing Pegula and Alcaraz. The moment, captured on video, went viral, with fans dissecting the interaction. “This coldness… we can confirm they were a thing,” one viewer quipped online, while another speculated, “Why would she hug him? The way he was targeting her all match was so stupid.” Some pointed to Draper’s aggressive tactics, noting he frequently directed serves and shots at Raducanu, a common doubles strategy but one that may have irked her.
Adding to the narrative, Draper’s light-hearted comments earlier in the summer resurfaced. When asked about Raducanu’s choice to partner with Alcaraz, he said, “A wise person once told me you should find the best partner, and that’s what she did in Alcaraz. I don’t blame her at all for that.” Raducanu, in turn, had praised her “great connection” with Alcaraz, citing their shared experiences since Wimbledon 2021. The contrast between her warmth toward Alcaraz and Pegula and her reserved demeanor with Draper fueled rumors of a rift, though no evidence suggests any real feud.
Off the court, another moment grabbed attention. In a post-match press conference, Draper referred to the mixed doubles as an “exhibition format,” prompting a playful rebuke from Pegula. “You shouldn’t be saying that, but that’s OK,” she teased, laughing as Draper clarified, “I’m hearing that a lot, it’s a bit of an exhibition, a bit of fun, why am I so locked in. It’s a good opportunity to play, do well, get a lot of points in before next week.” The exchange, likened by a reporter to an “old married couple” bickering, highlighted their budding chemistry despite only teaming up after last-minute withdrawals from their original partners, Paula Badosa and Tommy Paul.
Draper and Pegula carried their momentum into the quarterfinals, dismantling Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva 4-1, 4-1 to secure a semifinal spot against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Draper, returning from an injury that sidelined him since Wimbledon, credited Pegula’s experience for their success. “I’ve got a pretty good partner,” he said on court. “What an experience playing out here with Jessica against Emma and Carlos.” Pegula echoed the sentiment, noting, “It was a lot of fun, and Jack played great.”
The revamped mixed doubles format, with its $1 million prize pool and fast-four scoring, drew both praise and criticism. While the star power of players like Novak Djokovic, Venus Williams, and Swiatek added allure, some doubles specialists felt sidelined by the event’s shift to a pre-singles showcase. Pegula, a WTA Players’ Council member, voiced frustration over the lack of player input in the format change, saying, “Did you talk to the players? I think that’s something we’re trying to work with them on, having that line of communication be a lot smoother.”
As Draper and Pegula eye the title, the buzz around Raducanu’s handshake and Pegula’s playful scolding lingers, proving that in tennis, the drama off the court can rival the action on it. With the singles main draw looming, all eyes will be on how these stars carry their momentum—and their narratives—forward.
Raducanu didn’t want to hug Draper🤣 pic.twitter.com/wvKypE7FZV
— K (@bethdutton_k) August 19, 2025
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