British representation at the US Open has ended entirely following second-round defeats for the nation’s remaining singles players. Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones both fell to seeded opponents, eliminating all British competitors from the tournament’s individual draw.
Dart struggled against Czech 25th seed Marie Bouzkova, losing 6-2 6-2 in sweltering New York conditions. The 131st-ranked player attributed her performance to illness and difficulty adapting to the extreme temperature shifts between outdoor courts and air-conditioned indoor areas. Bouzkova dominated from the start, winning seven consecutive games to secure the opening set and maintaining control throughout the match.
Jones provided stronger resistance against American rising star Iva Jovic, the 14th seed, but ultimately fell 6-4 6-4 after nearly two hours of play. The teenager saved three match points on her own serve before Jovic sealed victory with a commanding service game. Despite the loss, Jones acknowledged that her performance demonstrated her competitive level, noting that Jovic’s quality warranted respect.
The eliminations conclude a remarkable tournament for British tennis, which saw nine players enter the main draws—the highest number since 1981. Five British competitors reached the second round, but all ultimately succumbed to seeded opponents, with only Jacob Fearnley managing to secure a set during his run.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
About the Author
