Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula progressed to the semi-finals of the US Open’s new mixed doubles format after two huge clashes.
Entering the tournament as the number one seed, with partner Jessica Pegula, the pair defeated Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz on their way to securing a place in the semi-finals.
Both now face Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in a final four showdown at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
After their two victories, both players spoke to reporters and shared an awkward interaction after Jack Draper’s honest thoughts.
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Jack Draper said the US Open mixed doubles is ‘a bit of an exhibition’
The Brit and the American started their campaign with a 4-2, 4-2 victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, and booked their semi-final slot with a convincing 4-1, 4-1 win over the Russian pair, Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva.
When asked about how seriously Draper is taking the competition and his ambitions to win it, he said: “It would mean a lot, obviously, it’s a bit like an exhibition format.”
The Englishman was then interrupted by Pegula, who stated: “He shouldn’t be saying that.”
In an attempt to clear confusion, the world number 5 said: “But that’s what I’m hearing a lot, it’s a bit of an exhibition, it’s a bit of fun, why am I so locked in? Well, it’s a good opportunity to play, do well, get a lot of points before next week. I’m enjoying being locked in.”
The pair managed to laugh the interaction off, with the former US Open finalist finding the funny side of the comments made by the Briton.
Draper and Pegula will both enter the upcoming Singles tournaments, with the main competition starting on August 24.
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Who has criticised the US Open mixed doubles format
The new format has faced criticism from several voices, including last year’s Mixed Doubles champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who argued the format change was a ‘profound injustice.’
Grand Slam-winning doubles player Jamie Murray also stated the competition is a ‘glorified exhibition’ in his eyes.
As opposed to the old format, this is a two-day competition and four games are required to win a set in matches taking place before the final.
There is no advantage scoring, and there is no use of a third set with a 10-point tie-break being used to decide an outcome.
A total of 16 pairs entered the tournament, with seven couples qualifying directly based on their ranking, and the remainder received wildcards.