Jack Draper has suggested Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz treated the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament as an ‘exhibition’.
Draper called the US Open an ‘exhibition’ himself following the opening day, but changed his tune on day two.
The British No. 1 teamed with Jessica Pegula, as Draper toppled Raducanu and Alcaraz in the US Open first round.
Following Draper and Pegula’s exit, the British star made a not-so-subtle dig at Raducanu and Alcaraz.
Jack Draper says Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz treated the US Open as an ‘exhibition’
Draper reverted on his opinion that the US Open was an ‘exhibition’ following his semi-final match at the tournament.
“[On Tuesday] there were times where it felt a little bit more that way [an exhibition] from our opponents,” said Draper at the tournament’s press conference.
The British star played Alcaraz and Raducanu, and Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev on the opening day alongside his partner, Pegula.
Draper and Pegula brushed aside both teams in straight sets, before succumbing to Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.
The British star said the semi-final was a much bigger step up than either team he played on the opening day.
“Whereas tonight we were in the changing rooms, you’re seeing Iga and Casper, they’re like fully dialled in. It was intense.”
Draper and Pegula lost to Swiatek and Ruud after a third-set championship tie-break.
Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu share messages after US Open debut
Raducanu and Alcaraz have shared social media messages to each other after their debut loss at the tournament.
British No.1 Raducanu wrote: “Thank you partner, had so much fun” to Alcaraz following their loss to Draper and Pegula.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, also took to Instagram to share an image of the pair in action. “That was fun!”, wrote the World No. 2.
Both stars will be in action in the singles draw of the US Open, which begins on Sunday, August 24 at Flushing Meadows.