Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz were eliminated from the US Open mixed doubles.
Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula secured a resounding victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu in the first round of the revamped US Open mixed doubles.
The British No. 1 in the men’s ranking, Draper, and his American partner, Pegula, defeated the world No. 2 in the men’s ranking, Alcaraz, and the highest-ranked British tennis player, Raducanu, with a score of 4-2, 4-2 in 51 minutes, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
Raducanu lost her serve in the opening game and, although there were no further break points in the first set, that was enough for Draper and Pegula to take the victory.
Alcaraz and Raducanu started the second set with a 1-0 lead, but suffered another break, falling 2-1 behind. Draper demonstrated his precision and power by holding his serve, achieving a 3-1 advantage.
Raducanu saved three break points before holding serve to reduce the deficit to 3-2. However, Draper sealed the victory on the third match point in the following game, with an impressive forehand down the line.
Mixed doubles has gained prominence at Flushing Meadows after being rescheduled to begin before the main tournament, with a prize of $1 million (£750,000) at stake for the winners of the 16-pair event.
