Rybakina and Draper Withdraw From US Open Mixed Doubles

A Sudden Void in the Mixed Doubles Draw

The physical toll of professional tennis is an unforgiving ledger, written in joint inflammation and sudden withdrawals. In a disappointing turn at Flushing Meadows, the highly anticipated partnership of Jack Draper and Elena Rybakina dissolved before hitting a single competitive ball. Both competitors formally withdrew from the US Open mixed doubles tournament, citing physical ailments that have disrupted their respective summer campaigns.

For Rybakina, the withdrawal is a continuation of a frustrating physical narrative. The world number two had previously retired from her Cincinnati Open quarterfinal against Iga Świątek due to a persistent left ankle injury. This physical setback comes at a critical juncture in the rankings race, where WTA Tour rival Aryna Sabalenka currently leads Rybakina by 434 points (8,575 to 8,141), intensifying the pressure on the Kazakh's recovery timeline.

Fritz and Pegula Form an All-American Alliance

As one door shuts, another swings open to reveal a fascinating, high-octane contingency. With the Rybakina-Draper tandem sidelined, the American duo of Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz have officially joined forces to fill the vacuum. This sudden alignment brings together two of the most consistent ball-strikers in American tennis, transforming a chaotic scheduling moment into a highly competitive partnership on the blue hardcourts.

Pegula, whose recent hardcourt form we analyzed in our preview of her deep summer runs, brings exceptional return metrics and baseline stability. Paired with Fritz's heavy serve, the duo presents a formidable threat. The kinetic energy of the home crowd will undoubtedly fuel this new partnership as they navigate a highly unpredictable mixed doubles field.

Rivalry Matchup & Player Profiles

As Elena Rybakina competes on the WTA Tour and Taylor Fritz on the ATP Tour, they have never faced each other in a professional singles match. However, they are frequent mixed-doubles partners, having won back-to-back Eisenhower Cup exhibition titles together in 2025 and 2026. While their individual singles trajectories remain the primary focus of their careers, their proven doubles chemistry highlights the unique versatility of both elite ball-strikers.