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U.S. Open
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A star-studded and revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles has reached the semifinals, with the final also tonight in New York.
Four pairs remain in contention for the $1 million top prize after the opening two rounds at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center yesterday.
The first semifinal is currently on Arthur Ashe, with Jessica Pegula/Jack Draper (1) a break up on Iga Świątek/Casper Ruud (3) in the opening set of the shortened format.
Defending champions Sara Errani/Andrea Vavassori vs. Danielle Collins/Christian Harrison will follow, before tonight’s final.
Świątek/Ruud *2-2 Pegula/Draper
That was definitely the point of the match so far. A lengthy rally that showcases the movement from both players.
Jack Draper's backhand sails long, giving Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud the break right back.
As my colleague Michael Charles can probably attest, the crowd is loving the tennis so far.
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Pegula/Draper 2-1* Świątek/Ruud
Big hitting from Jessica Pegula leads to the first break of the match. She unleashes her powerful return groundstrokes on the deciding deuce point, attacking Iga Świątek’s serve.
A solid start for the third seed, who once again are showing why they look like experienced doubles players. Not a pair that barely spoke to each other before this event.
A lot of people are still roaming the standing area in the upper bowl looking for a seat but there’s barely any left. The only available seats now are all the way at the top of Arthur Ashe, which is absolutely packed.
The crowd reacts with confusion in unison as Casper Ruud nearly airmails a forehand into the crowd during the first game.
The duo responded well, though, holding serve to win the first game of this semifinal.
Ruud/Świątek 1-0* Draper/Pegula
It was a shaky opening service game for Casper Ruud. After three forehand unforced errors, he faces two break points.
But a couple of big serves, including 122 mph on the deciding point, gave the third seed the hold. Nice net play from Iga Świątek, who unleashes an overhead smash to get the hold.
Ruud/Świątek *0-0 Draper/Pegula
Casper Ruud opens the proceedings with getting his first serve in before Jack Draper commits an unforced error. The first semifinal match is underway.
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Casper Ruud and Iga Świątek are the first to walk onto Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of the first U.S. Open mixed doubles semifinal match.
They are followed by their opponent Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.
The players will warm up and then it's first ball. Here we go!
A strong rendition of the national anthem by recording artist Breland receives emphatic applause from the crowd.
It’s almost tennis time…
The lights are dimmed inside Arthur Ashe. The Star-Spangled Banner will be sung before the U.S. Open mixed doubles semifinals begin.
An electric night of tennis ahead.
We’re oh so close to the players walking on the court and the U.S. Open mixed doubles semifinal matches beginning.
A fun atmosphere is building inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. There are still so many patrons on the concourse, stocking up on food and beverages, especially the legendary Honey Deuces, before action gets going shortly.
Spectators are entering Arthur Ashe Stadium for tonight's U.S. Open mixed doubles championship conclusion.
The matches will be played under a roof due to the rain.
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Casper Ruud was complimentary of his partner Iga Świątek after their two victories in mixed doubles yesterday. Świątek won the two doubles matches less than 24 hours after winning the Cincinnati Open.
“I'm really impressed with Iga, the way she handles the men's ball especially. She can return the guys' serve,” Ruud said. “From the baseline she can rally with anyone. That's both our strongest sides, I would say. We played to the strongest sides of our own game. We had good chemistry from the first point.”
Świątek said she didn't feel tired despite the quick turnaround.
“Honestly I think actually it's kind of nice for the recovery, as well, to have another task and to, like, not let yourself be lazy but also focused on the next exciting thing,” Świątek said.
The third seed will face Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper first on Arthur Ashe Stadium tonight in the semifinal.
Not long now, tennis fans. We’re 30 minutes before the players take the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the U.S. Open mixed doubles semifinal.
It promises to be an exciting atmosphere under the roof. Who will emerge victorious?
Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper had an interesting exchange yesterday during their post-match news conference. They revealed that they didn't speak much to each other before being paired for mixed doubles at the U.S. Open.
Below is the conversation between the players:
Draper called the pair “unapproachable.” Now they are one win away from a spot in the U.S. Open mixed doubles final.
The jumbo tennis balls are back in earnest.
The U.S. Open’s cutest harbinger of doom returns for 2025.
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… until the mixed doubles semifinals begin here at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Gosh, are we looking forward to this.
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Of all the players participating in the U.S. Open mixed doubles jamboree, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori would have the easiest time walking the streets of New York City, with barely anyone taking a glance. Not the regular experience for two defending champions.
But halfway through the fastest Grand Slam in the modern history of tennis, the only pure doubles team in the competition is schooling all-comers.
Vavassori hounds the net with his pterodactyl-like wingspan. Errani sneaks into the open space at the last minute, reading the next shot before it leaves her opponents’ strings. They are on a mission that they believe is bigger than themselves.
Everyone knew the protagonists on Tuesday, and they will know most of them Wednesday night. By the time it’s over, Vavassori and Errani might not be so anonymous on the New York streets.
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U.S. Open mixed doubles: Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori take singles stars to school
Thank goodness Arthur Ashe Stadium has a roof. Due to today's rainy conditions on the grounds, qualifying action on the outer courts has been postponed.
But that doesn't mean the mixed doubles championship is in question. The semifinals and final will be played under the roof at Ashe.
Get excited, tennis fans!
While there were (and are) skeptics aplenty heading into this event, the atmosphere at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center yesterday was vibrant.
The players were competing intensely and the fans were into the matches, savoring the opportunity to watch the game’s greats battle in this unique event.
The lower bowl at Louis Armstrong last night was packed!
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