Pegula and Draper: From Strangers on the Court to US Open Semifinalists
Before Tuesday, Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper had barely exchanged a few words. The surprise came at the US Open, where they formed an unexpected pair in the mixed doubles tournament. According to Pegula, the previous communication was minimal. They had seen each other at tournaments, but preferred headphones to conversations. The reason was simple: they had no reason to get to know each other. In Draper’s words, they are not very fond of socializing. Fate brought them together at the US Open, where the tournament paired them up. Pegula, originally with Tommy Paul, and Draper, who was going to play with Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, found themselves alone due to their partners’ injuries. Both of them didn’t know what to expect. Draper didn’t play many doubles matches and was unaware of Pegula’s achievements in this modality. However, the surprise was pleasant. They defeated Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz in the first round, and Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev in the second.Although they fell in the semifinals against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, the experience was memorable. Alofoke Deportes brings you a look at the day-to-day of this unexpected duo. The day began with Draper training with Holger Rune. The courts were filled with players and coaches, with a vibrant atmosphere. Novak Djokovic, after receiving an ovation, joined the training sessions, greeting several players on his way. Pegula joined Draper for their first training session together. Meanwhile, Ben Shelton and Taylor Townsend were practicing on the adjacent court. Draper retired for lunch, while Pegula continued on the court, then headed to the massage table. Pegula warmed up in the gym, while Draper received treatment on the court. The strategy was discussed in the lobby before the match. Draper arrived just in time for the match, and the pair entered the court. Raducanu and Alcaraz were introduced first, followed by Pegula and Draper, the seeded players. The match began with a large crowd supporting Raducanu and Alcaraz. Pegula and Draper won the first point and the first game in three minutes. Communication was key, with secret gestures and strategies in each point. In a dominant performance, Pegula and Draper won in 50 minutes, 4-2, 4-2. Pegula thanked the audience, and Draper praised his partner. The pair quickly prepared for their next match in the gym. Pegula spoke with Medvedev, who joked about the short format of the tournament. Andreeva seemed to disagree. The second match was played with great intensity, winning 4-1, 4-1 in just 36 minutes. Pegula and Draper met with friends and prepared in the gym. Zverev joked with Draper about the presence of the ESPN team. Before the press conference, they discussed the next day’s playing order. Pegula and Draper answered questions from the media, with Pegula expressing surprise and amusement at Draper’s description of the event as an “exhibition”.“I felt that once we got started, it seemed like it was going to be a better partnership than I even thought,” Pegula commented.
Jessica Pegula
The pair, now two matches away from a Grand Slam title, has turned a fun coincidence into something significant.“It’s always fun to be on the court and play in front of a packed crowd. It’s been incredible. She’s coming back from an injury. Having that in perspective, playing at a high level is really great. I don’t think you can take that for granted. I’ve loved that aspect,” Pegula said.
Jessica Pegula
