Emma Raducanu doesn't hug Jack Draper after losing US Open mixed doubles with Alcaraz, cold handshake sparks rumours
While it has been a contentious decision to replace the traditional mixed doubles with a format built to maximise the marketability of the biggest names in tennis, there was nonetheless a lot of excitement around the teams and draws being formed — not least between ATP number two Carlos Alcaraz, who joined forces with British star Emma Raducanu.
It was a star-studded first round contest for this team in New York, as they drew the number one seeds for this tournament, Brit Jack Draper and American home favourite Jessica Pegula. Although Raducanu and Alcaraz were the biggest draw for this tournament as two of the more popular players in world tennis, Draper and Pegula were number one seeds for a reason, and made it count, running out 4-2 4-2 winners in this 'fast four' format tournament.
However, what many fans noticed at the end of a fun match was the interaction at the net: during the handshakes at the net, all the players seemed to be extremely positive and jovial, sharing hugs with one another — interestingly, all except the two Brits, as Raducanu and Draper only had a glancing handshake and nothing else.
This was a moment that wasn't ignored by tennis fans, who reacted to the interaction.
Draper and Pegula also made easy work of their quarterfinal, beating the Russian pair of Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva 4-1 4-1 to progress to the semifinals. Here they will run into Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, who have been the most impressive singles-stars pairing of this tournament so far.
Alcaraz, who was crowned Cincinnati Open champion less than 24 hours before this match, goes into the US Open as the favourite after Jannik Sinner heavily struggled with illness during their final at the Masters event. The Italian retired down 5-0 in the first set, visibly struggling, and subsequently withdrew from the mixed doubles event as well. Draper, meanwhile, will be trying to improve his semifinal showing in New York from last year.
Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021 after a miraculous against-the-odds run to the final after having entered the tournament as a qualifier, has not had the same taste of success in grand slam tennis since. However, she is on a great run of form and on the verge of the top 30, and is set to be a potential early banana peel for the higher-ranked seeds in the women's draw.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'It is a shortcut': Serena Williams opens up on GLP 1 weight loss journey and 31 pound drop before US Open
Serena Williams opens up on GLP 1 weight loss journey and 31 pound drop before US Open (Image via Getty) Serena Williams, the retired tennis legend, age 43, says she used a GLP-1 weight-loss medication to lose 31 pounds in eight months. She tried everything, running, biking, stair-climbing, even playing tennis professionally but couldn't reach a weight she felt was healthy. Now she feels lighter both physically and mentally. Serena Williams reveals weight loss journey with GLP-1 medication on Today show On August 21, 2025, on NBC's Today show, Serena Williams explained why she finally turned to GLP-1 drugs. She said, 'I literally tried everything. Running, walking, biking, stair-climber, you name it, I did it … Even now trying to play a professional sport, … I felt like, 'OK, I don't want to do this because it is a shortcut…' But it actually isn't.' She realized that after having her daughters, her body needed something more to reach a healthy weight. In interviews with People and others, Serena Williams added that she did lots of research first and consulted a doctor through Ro, the telehealth company she serves as an ambassador for. Around six months after giving birth to her second daughter, Adira, and after she stopped breastfeeding, she began weekly injections. She said the treatment complemented her healthy lifestyle, easing joint pain, boosting energy, and simply helping things work better. Also Read: 'Does anyone really care about her?': Andy Roddick delivers sharp message as Iga Swiatek gets disrespected following Cincinnati Open victory Serena Williams pushes back against stigma of weight loss drugs before US Open Serena Williams wants people to know using the medication is not a lazy shortcut. She said, 'If you're on GLP-1s too, don't let anybody tell you it's the 'easy way out.' You're not taking a shortcut, you're taking care of yourself.' She also said, 'I feel light physically and light mentally … I can just do more. I'm more active. My joints don't hurt as much.' Her timing was telling. This came just days before the U.S. Open, which begins August 24, 2025, an event she has previously won six times. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
Sinquefield Cup: Gukesh held by Sevian, Praggnanandhaa draws with Abdusattorov
World champion D Gukesh was held to a draw by the lone wild card Samuel Sevian of United States, while fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa also split the point with Nodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan in the third round of the Sinquefield Cup here. With his second draw in as many days, Praggnanadhaa remained in the leading group of three players that now include Fabiano Caruana of United States besides the overnight co-leader Armenian-turned-American Levon Aronian. Caruana handed Alireza Firouzja of France his first loss in the tournament in the lone decisive game of the day. Aronian was held to a draw by Maxime Vachier-Lagrave of France, while another American Wesley So split the point with Duda Jan-Kryzsztof of Poland. With six rounds still to come in the $3,75,000 prize money tournament, Praggnanadhaa, Aronian and Caruana share the lead on two points each and they are now followed by Wesley, Firouzja, Vachier-Lagrave, Sevian and Gukesh -- who all stand a half point behind. Duda is next in line on one point, while Abdusattorov opened his account to be on a half point from his first three outings here. For Gukesh, first draw in the tournament was rather easy with black pieces. Samuel Sevian tried his hands at the Rosslimo variation against the Sicilian defense but Gukesh was always in control. The middle game arrived and passed smoothly as both players exchanged pieces at regular intervals leading to a drawn endgame. Praggnanandhaa played his first black after two white games and chose the Nimzo-Indian defence wherein Abdusattorov, struggling to find his form, could not get much. The players reached an opposite coloured Bishops endgame where the draw was a just result. It could have been an uneventful day but for Caruana who played a fine positional game to outwit Firouzja. The Fianchetto variation against the Nimzo gave Caruana a spatial advantage as his pieces stood better in the middle game and after a fine grind the American pushed his central passed pawn to the seventh rank for the desired effect. With the top four places in the Grand chess tour at stake for the grand finale later this year, Caruana seemed pleased with his victory. The American observed that Vachier-Lagrave has almost qualified and the rest of the bunch is fighting for the last spots. Results round 3: Nodirbek Abdusattorov (Uzb, 0.5) drew with R Praggnanandhaa (Ind, 2) Fabiano Caruana (Usa, 2) beat Alireza Firouzja (Fra, 1.5); Duda Jan Kryzstof (Pol, 1) drew with Wesley So (Usa, 1.5); Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Fra, 1.5) drew with Levon Aronian (Usa, 1.5) Samuel Sevian (Usa, 1.5) drew with D Gukesh (Ind, 1.5).
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Justine Lindsay, NFL's first transgender cheerleader, quits Carolina Panthers; fans think they know why
Justine Lindsay is parting ways with the Carolina Panthers, marking an end to their stint with the NFL club that saw her make history by becoming the first transgender cheerleader for the sport, when she joined in 2022. Justine Lindsay said her next focus is to be a sportscaster(Instagram/justinesimone_) Speaking on the decision to quit the job with the TopCats, Lindsay told Outsports 'For now, I'm focusing on my pageantry work and community involvement, striving to be recognized not just as an NFL cheerleader, but as someone making a positive impact, especially during these uncertain times.' She did not want to elaborate beyond their comment and no official reason was stated for the departure. Notably, the Panthers have also not spoken publicly about Lindsay's departure. Lindsay's decision comes during a season when several NFL teams are facing flak for having male cheerleaders. It started with the Minnesota Vikings, but the Philadelphia Eagles is finding itself in the eye of the storm now as well. Her decision to walk away has left fans guessing as to what might be the reason. Here are some responses. Fans think they know why Justine Lindsay is stepping down Social media is abuzz with the news of Lindsay stepping down, and some fans think they know why. 'Of course, transphobic harassment is a major reason... It's the damage that bigotry does,' one fan said. Another remarked, 'Sounds like they paid [them] to step down.' Yet another said, 'More money in pageants…'. While some comments did wonder at why Lindsay was moving on, most expressed conservative views about a transgender cheerleader's inclusion in the first place, mimicking the vitriol the male cheerleaders have been facing from some NFL fans this time around. Hindustan Times cannot verify the authenticity of these claims. No official reason behind Lindsay's decision. What's next for Justine Lindsay? Speaking to Outsports, Lindsay said 'Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be, and God is blessing me each and everyday giving me the breath to do the work and change lives. My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals. Don't let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals whether they are trans, African American, not American, etc.' She said her next focus is to be a sportscaster, and go to school to further her career. 'I'll see you all next year on a football field, either conducting interviews or on the sidelines showing off my dance skills,' she said.
