Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula knocked out Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu of the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament.
Fans were excited for Alcaraz and Raducanu’s partnership, but the Brit and American dispatched them in straight sets.
Alcaraz and Raducanu failed to impress in their debut, but Draper and Pegula proved why they were the top seeds.
Draper broke his silence about knocking out his compatriot Raducanu in the first round.
Jack Draper said it ‘doesn’t get any better’ after US Open win
Draper and Pegula defeated Alcaraz and Raducanu 4-2 4-2 and Draper was delighted to pick up his first win since crashing out of Wimbledon.
“I have got a pretty good partner,” Draper declared on court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium after his first-ever mixed doubles victory.
“What an experience out here playing with Jessica against Emma and Carlos,” said last year’s singles semi-finalist.
“It doesn’t get any better than this, so it’s just a pleasure to be out here playing against them and with such a great player.”
Draper and Pegula will play the winner of Novak Djokovic and Olga Danilović vs Mirra Andreeva and Danill Medvedev.
Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula capture nice US Open bonus
The prize money for the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament will see the winner capture an incredible $1 million.
Draper and Pegula have already ensured a nice payday, with a minimum of $100,000 secured for beating Raducanu and Alcaraz.
Should they get through to the semi-finals, Draper and Pegula could double their expected payday ahead of the singles tournament.
Draper and Pegula play their quarter-final later tonight, with the semi-final and final taking place on August 20.