Sonay Kartal was making her US Open main draw debut.
British players Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter experienced first-round exits at the US Open, as challenging conditions prevailed in New York.
Kartal, who has been contending with a knee issue in recent months, appeared to struggle physically during her 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 loss against Brazil’s 18th seed, Beatriz Haddad Maia.
The deciding set was marked by unusual circumstances, as a visibly struggling Kartal fell behind 3-0 before receiving a reprieve when Haddad Maia’s movement also became restricted, seemingly due to cramping.
Points became protracted and labored under the demanding conditions, but neither player displayed any willingness to concede.
Haddad Maia’s serve was broken for 3-1 as she exhibited difficulty walking, but she recovered sufficiently, buoyed by the vocal support of Brazilian fans, to secure a notable victory.
Kartal, in her US Open main draw debut, also seemed to be hampered by the knee problem, which was visibly supported during her impressive Wimbledon run to the fourth round in July.
Boulter, 29, was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by Ukraine’s 27th seed Marta Kostyuk, failing to reverse her recent Grand Slam struggles.
The powerful baseliner, who has yet to reach the second week of a major tournament, has been experiencing a dip in form this season and appeared to lack confidence against Kostyuk.
Saving five match points while serving at 5-3 demonstrated Boulter’s resilience, and she subsequently created three break points in the tenth game.
However, Kostyuk regained her composure to serve out the match and advance to the second round.
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