A mixed doubles exhibition at the US Open turned unexpectedly dramatic when Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper shared a noticeably tense moment at the net. After their first-round match, Draper leaned in for what looked like a friendly hug, but Raducanu extended her hand instead, delivering a quick handshake before moving on to warmly greet Jessica Pegula and Carlos Alcaraz.
The split-second interaction, captured on video and shared widely online, immediately sparked conversation among tennis fans about what might have caused the apparent chill between the two Brits.
How Did Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper Fare in Their US Open Mixed Doubles Match?
The match was part of the US Open’s new Fan Week showcase, a revamped mixed doubles competition offering a $1 million prize pool and featuring a lineup of star pairings. Raducanu teamed up with World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, while Draper partnered with World No. 4 Jessica Pegula.
Jack Draper hustles to seal it for the top seeds! pic.twitter.com/CVwU5kwWsJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 19, 2025
Despite the star power on display, Draper and Pegula proved dominant, cruising to a 4-2, 4-2 win in just 51 minutes. Both sets followed a similar pattern, with Draper and Pegula breaking serve early and maintaining control. Raducanu put up resistance late in the second set, saving two break points at 3-2 with clutch serving, but ultimately the Draper-Pegula team was too strong.
Yet, it wasn’t the scoreline that captured the most attention. The net exchange overshadowed the result, as fans dissected every second of the video. Draper went for a hug, but Raducanu kept her distance, her extended hand signaling formality.
Raducanu didn’t want to hug Draper pic.twitter.com/wvKypE7FZV
— K (@bethdutton_k) August 19, 2025
She then immediately shared warm embraces with both Alcaraz and Pegula, which made the absence of one with Draper all the more conspicuous.
How Did the Fans React to Raducanu Avoiding a Hug With Draper?
The clip ignited a flurry of speculation, with one fan writing, “Jack Draper went in for the hug, but Emma …. awkward #USOpen2025.”
Jack Draper went in for the hug, but Emma …. awkward #USOpen2025 https://t.co/De2SYg2JuP
— Chewy Veetton (@bebem00m00) August 19, 2025
Another chimed in, “She didn’t look too impressed don’t blame her.”
She didn’t look too impressed don’t blame her
— peter gorman (@petergorma27903) August 19, 2025
Some viewers suggested the tension may have stemmed from Draper’s aggressive tactics during the match, when he often directed his serves and shots toward Raducanu. One comment read, “I mean he was targeting her the whole match. Even if I get along with someone I would be pissed too.”
I mean he was targetering her the whole match.
Even if i get along with someone I would be pissed too. https://t.co/2vH8kAz2PU— SandrineKem (@SandrineK92) August 19, 2025
Another highlighted the very first point, pointing out, “First net point Jack went straight to Emma’s feet, maybe that?”
“I wonder if there is some tea there! ” one user joked, hinting at possible personal history between the two.
“That seemed quite rude…. I may be wrong but …” a fan posted, questioning Raducanu’s choice not to return Draper’s gesture.
MORE: After Emma Raducanu Chooses Carlos Alcaraz Instead of Him, Jack Draper Reveals What He Thinks of the US Open Pairing
Another said, “Why does Emma dislike Jack? She barely looked at him,” while a different voice defended Draper, calling the reaction overblown: “Being mad about being targeted in doubles is really hilarious and embarrassing.”
Draper and Pegula powered into the semifinals with a dominant 4-1, 4-1 victory over Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva, setting up a clash against Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud on Wednesday.
