The US Open mixed doubles format is over, and few can argue against the entertainment value it brought.
Many criticisms levelled at the event are well-founded, but the organisers will be delighted with how it unfolded.
The world got to see a handful of tennis’ biggest singles stars combining in some of the most ludicrous partnerships, and at times, it actually worked.
One of the biggest surprise packages was the team of Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, who actually impressed in the early stages before they were defeated by Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
Their no-nonsense approach to the competition saw them sweep aside stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva.
And, it seems that their relationship has blossomed throughout as well.
Jack Draper reacts after playing US Open mixed doubles with Jessica Pegula
This duo admitted before the event that they had only ever exchanged pleasantries on the tour beforehand, as two very focused, and borderline discourteous players who would much rather win tennis matches than make friends.
So, it was quite heartwarming and hilarious to see them thrown together.
They quickly developed a fine understanding on the court, and off it, they brought some of the funniest moments, with Draper forced to apologise to Pegula after he branded the competition an ‘exhibition’.
He has since taken to Instagram to thank her for finally playing with him, after both Qinwen Zheng and Paula Badosa dropped out beforehand. He wrote on his stories: “Mixed dubs was fun! Thank you @jpegula”.
She then reposted the story to her own, adding a message: “For the record I did say to stick w the sleeveless”, clearly in reference to Draper’s new sponsorship with Vuori, which saw him sport a vest for his debut with the manufacturer.
Jessica Pegula needs to turn her form around at the US Open
With the fun of the Fan Week nearly out of the way, and the US Open draw having been revealed, now is the time for Pegula to focus on what really matters.
After all, her form heading into this final Grand Slam of the year has been far from ideal, especially when she will be defending a huge number of points after reaching the final last year.
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
The American suffered a first-round exit in Washington to the eventual champion Leylah Fernandez, before then only reaching the second round in Montreal.
The Cincinnati Open fared no better, losing at the same stage, and thus losing another handful of points after reaching the final there as well last year.
Pegula must enjoy a deep run at the US Open to avoid a monumental rankings drop. Hopefully, she can regain her fine form from 2024 to string together a crucial few victories in New York.