Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula exited the US Open mixed doubles event at the semifinal stage.
Draper had already lost two mixed doubles partners before pairing up with Jessica Pegula, someone he was not that familiar with before this event.
Despite not spending much time together before this week, Draper was actually told off by Pegula for something he said.
Pegula was also left surprised by Draper’s tennis, and now the Briton has admitted to feeling something he was not expecting to.
Jack Draper has been surprised by how much he enjoyed playing the US Open mixed doubles event
Draper and Pegula reached the semifinals before losing to eventual runners-up Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, 3-5 5-3 [10-8].
Despite losing from 8-4 up in the match tie-break, Draper appeared to be feeling very positive in his post-match press conference and admitted he enjoyed the US Open mixed doubles event more than he thought he would.
Draper also suggested that he would specifically like to play doubles again with Pegula.
“Yeah, I enjoyed the competition,” said Draper. “I loved it, playing alongside Jessica. I wasn’t expecting probably to have as good of a time as I did.
“Honestly, I thought we played great. Tonight was a tough match. They were on good form. But yeah, just overall a really positive experience. Loved playing with you. Hope to do it again, yeah.”
Jessica Pegula explains why she feels more sad after losing doubles than singles
Pegula is a significantly more experienced doubles player than Draper, having reached two Grand Slam finals, including the US Open mixed final in 2023.
The American also revealed that she enjoyed playing with Draper, but admitted that she felt like she had let him down.
“I had so much fun,” said Pegula. “I mean, obviously it helps when you’re winning a few matches and you get to play a night on Ashe. I feel more sad honestly than after a singles match in a way. I feel like I kind of let him down a little bit.
“But besides that, I really wanted to play another match. I had so much fun. Like, we got along really well. I was hoping we could get to the finish line there. But I had a great time. I can’t say anything else. I loved it.”
Later on in the press conference, Draper clarified to Pegula that she did not let him down at all and instead claimed she carried him.
Both players will now have their sights set on singles competition, with the draw taking place on Thursday, August 21 at 12pm Eastern Time.
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