A devastating collapse saw Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula crash out of the US Open mixed doubles, surrendering a commanding 8-4 advantage in the decisive tie-break of their semi-final against Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud.
The British-American partnership watched helplessly as their opponents reeled off six consecutive points to clinch victory at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Following the heartbreaking defeat, a dejected Pegula was overheard apologising to Draper, saying "F**k, I'm sorry."
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The American appeared to blame herself for the final point, having attempted a volley on Swiatek's forehand that set up an easy winner for the Pole.
Jessica Pegula appeared to say 'F***, I'm sorry,' after the pair crashed out in the semi-final
|SKY SPORTS
Draper, however, refused to let his partner shoulder the responsibility, instead offering encouragement despite their agonising exit from the tournament.
The tournament featured a radical new format designed to attract top singles players, with the winners set to receive $1million in prize money.
Draper and Pegula entered as top seeds after the Briton's original partners, Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, withdrew due to injuries.
Jessica Pegula marked Jack Draper's third partner, after Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa pulled out through injury
|REUTERS
The pair had barely spoken before teaming up but quickly found their rhythm, sweeping past Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu in the opening round.
They followed this with another impressive victory over Daniil Medvedev and Mirra Andreeva to reach the semi-finals.
The revamped competition, held during the week before the main singles tournament, proved controversial despite successfully drawing star names who typically skip Grand Slam doubles events.
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The match proved far more intense than their previous encounters, with Draper noting a marked difference in their opponents' approach.
"I think yesterday there was times where it felt a little bit more that way from our opponents," he said. "Whereas tonight we were in the changing rooms, you're seeing Iga and Casper, they're fully dialled in. It was intense. We both wanted to win."
Pegula echoed this sentiment, stating: "You can't go out there at 7pm on Ashe knowing you could play the final, and feel like you're just out there."
The contest marked Draper's return to competitive action following an arm injury that had sidelined him since his second-round exit at Wimbledon.
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Jack Draper returned to the courts fpr the first time since his early Wimbledon exit ahead of the US Open next week
|REUTERS
Despite the disappointment, the 23-year-old remained upbeat about the experience, praising his partnership with Pegula.
Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori emerged victorious in the final, defeating Swiatek and Ruud 6-3, 5-7, 10-6 to retain their mixed doubles crown.
The Italian duo were the sole established doubles specialists granted entry to the tournament, having required a wildcard to defend their title.
Their triumph came before a capacity crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the 38-year-old Errani delivering a pointed message afterwards.
"I think this one is also for all the doubles players that couldn't play this tournament. I think this one is also for them," she declared.
Vavassori expressed gratitude to the organisers whilst emphasising doubles' value as entertainment.
"We showed today that doubles is a great product," he said, thanking the crowd for creating an incredible atmosphere.