It was a tough opening day for Britain’s hopes at the US Open 2025, as both Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal bowed out in the first round at Flushing Meadows.
Kartal endured one of the most dramatic matches of the tournament so far against 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian took the opening set 6-3, before Kartal roared back with a dominant 6-1 response in the second. But the deciding set descended into chaos as both players struggled with severe cramp.
Kartal was the first to be hindered, falling 4-0 behind, only for Haddad Maia to seize up during her own service game. Barely able to move, she somehow fought through, fending off break points and finally converting her third match point for a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 victory.
Boulter’s exit, meanwhile, came in more straightforward fashion against Ukrainian 27th seed Marta Kostyuk. The British No. 2 went down 6-4, 6-4, extending her frustrating run at the majors — she hasn’t reached the third round in her last eight attempts since the 2023 US Open.
Despite battling hard, saving five match points and threatening a late comeback, Boulter couldn’t convert key opportunities. Kostyuk held firm, reeling off six straight points to book her place in round two.
With both Boulter and Kartal out, Britain’s singles hopes now rest on the shoulders of the remaining players in action later this week.
