In a devastating blow for British tennis fans, the dream mixed doubles partnership of Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu at the US Open has been shattered before a single ball was served.
The blockbuster all-British pairing, which had generated immense excitement, collapsed on Tuesday when Raducanu was forced into a shock withdrawal. The 2021 US Open champion cited a stiff right wrist as the reason for pulling out of the marquee event.
A Crushing Blow for Draper's US Open Hopes
For Jack Draper, the news is a bitter pill to swallow. The 22-year-old, who is enjoying a career-high ranking and is seeded at a major for the first time, was relishing the opportunity to team up with Raducanu. The pair were seen practising together on Court 14, generating a palpable buzz, only for those hopes to be dashed hours later.
"It's a shame," a disappointed Draper stated after his first-round singles victory. "Emma's obviously a great player and we would have had a lot of fun. I was really looking forward to it, but it is what it is."
Raducanu's Wrist Woes Force Tough Decision
The decision appears to be a precautionary measure from Raducanu's camp. Having undergone surgery on both wrists and one ankle last year, managing her physical condition is paramount. While she triumphed in her opening singles match, the potential risk of exacerbating the issue in the mixed doubles was deemed too great.
This withdrawal casts a shadow over what was shaping up to be a thrilling British challenge in New York. The duo, both possessing powerful, modern games, were considered dark horses for the title and their matches were guaranteed to draw a massive crowd on the Flushing Meadows showcourts.
What's Next for the British Stars?
Despite the doubles disappointment, both players remain fully focused on their singles campaigns. Draper, fresh off a commanding straight-sets win, will look to channel his frustration into a deep run in the men's draw.
Raducanu, meanwhile, will continue her own quest to recapture the magic of her legendary 2021 title win, albeit with her workload now slightly reduced. The hopes of a nation for a first all-British mixed doubles champion in decades, however, have been put on hold for another year.
