“We wanted to run it back”: Jessica Pegula explains why she chose Jack Draper again for US Open mixed doubles

Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 00:30

Jessica Pegula believes the revamped US Open mixed doubles event has created something rarely seen in tennis, bringing together the biggest names from the men’s and women’s game on the same stage. After enjoying a memorable run in the inaugural edition last year, the American has decided to return alongside Jack Draper, hoping to recreate the chemistry that developed during their unexpected partnership.

The pair reached the semifinals in 2025 after entering the tournament as the top seeds, defeating Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz before also overcoming Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva. Their run ended in a dramatic match tiebreak against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, but the experience left a strong impression on Pegula.

For the American No. 1, the appeal of the competition goes beyond the results. Pegula believes the format offers fans a unique opportunity to see different personalities, playing styles and generations of tennis come together in a way that traditional events cannot replicate.

“I thought the event honestly surprised me. I think it was a really great turnout last year,” Pegula said. “We have such an interesting sport where you can see men and women competing on the same stage, on the same playing field, and I don’t think you can really do that in many other sports.”

Pegula explains why mixed doubles connected with US Open fans

The success of the event was one of the biggest talking points from last year’s US Open, with several top singles players embracing the challenge of doubles competition. Pegula believes that combination helped create new storylines and allowed fans to see a different side of the sport’s biggest stars.

“I think you saw a lot of different storylines that fans really loved to embrace,” the world No. 3 explained. “The US Open has grown so much where people just want to see tennis.”

Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper talking to each other

Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper reached semifinals at 2025 US Open mixed doubles.

Pegula also highlighted the atmosphere created by playing alongside a player from a different part of the tour. Her partnership with Draper was particularly meaningful because the two had not previously spent much time together before entering the competition. “I was lucky enough to play at least three matches. I got to play on Ashe. We got to play in front of a full crowd on Ashe at night, which was so much fun,” Pegula said.

“And I got to play with Jack, who was someone I hadn’t really spoken to much before, but we ended up becoming good friends and now we have a good relationship. So I thought we’d try to run it back.”

The American admitted Draper’s own experience was also part of what made the partnership special. The Brit had the opportunity to play a night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, something he had not yet experienced in singles at the US Open. “He never played a night session on Ashe, so getting out there and experiencing that maybe before that happens to him in singles was probably great for him,” Pegula added.

Djokovic and Sabalenka headline another star-studded mixed doubles field

The 2026 edition will feature another collection of high-profile partnerships, with Pegula acknowledging that the competition will once again be extremely difficult. Among the standout teams are Aryna Sabalenka and Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, as well as Mirra Andreeva and Andrey Rublev.

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Despite the star power across the draw, Pegula believes mixed doubles remains unpredictable because small moments can decide matches.

“Every team sounds really tough. You never really know. Mixed doubles can be a little bit of luck, especially with the guys serving and the girls serving,” she said. “You never know. It can just be one break and the set is kind of over, so it’s always pretty intense from the first point, and you have to be focused and locked in from the start.”

While Sabalenka and Djokovic immediately stand out as one of the most talked-about combinations, Pegula does not see any easy path through the draw. “Yeah, Aryna and Novak sound like a pretty tough team,” she said. “All of them sound pretty tough. I wouldn’t really want to play anybody.”

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After helping prove the concept in its first year, Pegula believes the mixed doubles event has found a place within the US Open schedule by offering something different for players and fans alike.

“It was just a fun dynamic. It was really exciting,” Pegula said. “I think you got to see a lot more personality from the players as well, seeing how those personalities mixed and matched with different teams.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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