Jack Draper called out by own partner in middle of awkward press conference
Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper were speaking after beating Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper
(Image: Sky Sports)
Jack Draper was given a light-hearted telling off by his US Open mixed doubles partner Jessica Pegula after an off-the-cuff remark during a press conference.
The British No.5 and American world No.4 have reached the semi-finals of the revamped mixed doubles competition, having already knocked out Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz before easing past Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva.
With a potential $1million (£741,000) prize cheque on the line, both players insisted they are treating the tournament seriously.
But Draper raised eyebrows when asked how much it would mean to lift the title.
'It would mean a lot,' he began.
'Obviously it is like a bit of an exhibition format. It's nice to play with someone… what?," he said as it became clear Pegula had an issue.
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"What did I say?," Draper asked. "Have a bit of fun with it. I don't know.
"I like winning. It's good to win, right?'
Pegula, sat alongside him, quickly jumped in: 'You shouldn't be saying that, but that's okay.
"It's not an exhibition. I know what you're saying.'
Draper attempted to explain himself, doubling down: 'It's a bit of an exhibition, a bit of fun… It's a good opportunity to play, do well, get a lot of points in before next week.
"I'm enjoying being locked in. I don't know why it's a crime to be locked in.'
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Pegula, laughing off the exchange, added: 'I'm just giving him stick. It has somewhat the feeling of an exhibition. It's not called that.'
The newly-formatted mixed doubles has already divided opinion, with shortened sets and fewer opportunities for doubles specialists to compete.
But Draper and Pegula have embraced the challenge and will now face Casper Ruud and Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in the last four.
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