Britain achieved notable success at the US Open as Jacob Fearnley and Harriet Dart both secured impressive first-round victories through remarkable comebacks. Fearnley, ranked 101st in the world and competing as a lucky loser in the main draw, mounted an extraordinary recovery against Martin Landaluce. After trailing 5-2 in the fourth set, the British player won 10 of the next 11 games to claim a dramatic 4-6 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-3 victory, demonstrating resilience and precision when it mattered most.
Dart’s path to victory proved similarly challenging, as she battled from a set and break down against American opponent Peyton Stearns. Her 3-6 6-3 6-2 triumph ended a difficult 19-month drought without a Grand Slam main-draw victory. The 30-year-old, who has enlisted the expertise of 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli as her coach, showed fighting spirit despite a fluctuating performance against an inconsistent opponent.
The victories extend British representation in round two, with Fearnley and Dart joining compatriots Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter. Fearnley will face 27th seed Tomas Etcheverry next, while Dart confronts 25th seed Marie Bouzkova. Both players credited their mentality and recent form for their comebacks, with Fearnley citing a similar recovery win during the Challenger circuit as inspiration for maintaining belief when facing elimination.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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