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New Delhi: Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz’s highly anticipated mixed doubles debut wasn’t impressive as the duo lost against Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper 2-4, 2-4 in the US Open mixed doubles first round.

Men’s British No. 1 Draper and his partner Pegula overcame men’s World No. 2 Alcaraz and the top-ranked British woman, Raducanu, in 51 minutes to advance to the semifinals.

Raducanu dropped her serve in the first game, and although there were no additional break points in the opening set, it was enough for Draper and Pegula to win it. Alcaraz and Raducanu started the second set brilliantly and took a 1-0 lead but were broken again, falling 2-1 behind.

The Men’s British No.1 then showcased his accuracy and power to extend their lead to 3-1. Raducanu saved three break points to hold and reduce the deficit to 3-2.

But Draper clinched the win on the third match point in the next game, with a sensational forehand down the line. The duo will take on Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud in the semifinal on Wednesday, with the final to be played later the same day.

The United States Tennis Association revamped the mixed doubles event this year, raising the prize money to $1million (£750,000) to tempt the biggest stars in the sport, and the move has been successful.

Alcaraz travelled 600 miles to participate in the mixed-doubles event after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final of the Cincinnati Masters on Monday, with the World No.1 forced to retire from the summit clash due to illness.

There were doubts about Alcaraz’s participation with Raducanu, but the Spaniard boarded a private jet with Iga Swiatek after lifting his trophy and speaking to the media.

‘It was a great experience playing out here with Jessica against Emma and Carlos’: Jack Draper

After the victory, British No.1 Draper said that he had a pretty good partner, and it was a great experience playing out there with Jessica against Emma and Carlos.

“Thanks everyone for showing up, that was such a fun atmosphere. I’ve played doubles a lot but not a lot recently, so that’s always tricky. It was a lot of fun and Jack played great,” World No.4 Pegula added.