Emma Paton’s US Open diary: Blended doubles mania to British qualifying success

Emma Paton landed in New York for the beginning of the extremely anticipated US Open blended doubles event and qualifying for the principle draw.

The lead-up to the yr’s ultimate main has been dominated by america Tennis Affiliation’s choice to revamp the normally low-key draw right into a showstopping curtain-raiser.

Emma Raducanu’s partnership with Carlos Alcaraz grabbed a lot of the headlines, though they have been crushed within the first spherical by fellow British No 1 Jack Draper and his American accomplice Jessica Pegula.

The transfer was controversial, with the doubles specialists who usually make up the overwhelming majority of the entrants largely excluded on the expense of the highest singles stars.

The $1m first prize did find yourself going to the one such pair, although, defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori.

In qualifying, Fran Jones, Billy Harris, Dan Evans, Johannus Monday, Jodie Burrage, Jay Clarke, Harriet Dart, Oliver Crawford, Heather Watson, George Loffhagen and Jan Choinski and Jack Pinnington Jones all carried British hopes.

In the long run, British No 4 Jones reached the US Open essential draw for the primary time, whereas Harris, the world No 151, made it by way of as a fortunate loser.

Blended doubles makeover

Effectively I feel it is protected to say the remodelled blended doubles event was a hit! Performed throughout two days and two courts, and with a number of star singles gamers (plus large title DJs blasting the tunes on Arthur Ashe) it lived as much as the billing!!

Tennis socials actually had lots of opinions beforehand (when does not it!?) however I for one was trying ahead to the event and seeing what the singles stars might ship when paired up with somebody for the primary time.

Sixteen groups entered on the first spherical with a box-office line-up that included the mouth-watering prospect of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz teaming as much as tackle Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula. It was a straight-sets win for the highest seeds however defeat actually did not cease Alcaraz and Raducanu from having fun with themselves!

Regardless of the massive names, after 4 rounds of motion it was the doubles specialists that prevailed in Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori – a workforce which can be nicely drilled and a well-oiled machine – perhaps it was no shock they received.

Possibly the event being a hit was the most important shock, or was it?

British success in qualifying

I had a chat with Fran Jones at her resort the day earlier than qualifying bought underway (largely about tennis but additionally about our favorite espresso spots in New York) and never solely was she tremendous relaxed however she was dialled in so I used to be so pleased to see her e-book her spot in the principle draw for the primary time in her profession.

She was unlucky to not have certified mechanically to be sincere having risen up the rankings to 86th on this planet, however she actually handled the stress of being the highest seed not solely getting by way of all three rounds of qualifying but additionally not dropping a single set throughout the three matches. Now let’s have a look at how far she will be able to go within the event.

Let’s additionally give Billy Harris a shout-out too – regardless of defeat within the ultimate spherical of qualifying he additionally made it to the principle draw, as a fortunate loser, so we’ve one other Brit within the combine which is nice information!

Now roll on the principle draw…

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