August 30, (THEWILL) – The biggest surprise at the start of hostilities at Flushing Meadows, came with the defeat of seventh-seeded Simona Halep by Ukrainian qualifier, Daria Snigur, in the US Open first round on Monday night.
The Romanian’s hopes of winning a third Grand Slam singles title abruptly vanished, as she succumbed to a 2-6 6-0 3-6 loss to the world No. 124.
Although the 20-year-old Snigur won the first set with ease, Halep bounced back by thrashing her rival and looked to be in control heading into the final. But, it was the Ukrainian who struck first, twice breaking Halep’s serve on route to a noteworthy triumph in her first Grand Slam main draw match.
It was Snigur’s first victory in a match at the Tour level against a woman ranked in the top 10, and it qualified her for a match against Rebecca Marino or Magdalena Frech in the second round.
Speaking after her win, she said: “I was very very nervous, but I tried to do my best…This match is for my Ukraine, for my family, for my fans, I want to say thank you to all.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
