September 01, (THEWILL) – Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu both lost in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday, making it a night to forget for two of tennis’ brightest stars.
Osaka was defeated by American, Danielle Collins, in straight sets 7-6(5) 6-3 on a soggy night in New York, while defending champion, Emma Raducanu, lost to Alizé Cornet.
The 19-year-old Raducanu shocked the world by winning her first grand slam at Flushing Meadows last year, but she has subsequently had trouble regaining her previous form. She lost in straight sets, 6-3 6-3, as the expertise and tenacity of the seasoned Cornet proved to be too much for her.
After a miserable season marred by injuries and coaching staff changes, Raducanu will drop in the standings. With 63 previous grand slam appearances, Cornet holds the record for the most consecutive grand slam appearances during the Open era and she is now used to big results at the slams and was simply in better shape.
Osaka fared similarly against the skillful Collins. In their three previous matches, the world number 19 had never even won a set against Osaka, but this time, she defeated the four-time grand slam champion and two-time winner of the US Open, who was unseeded at this year’s competition in her current 44th place ranking.
Cornet will now play Katerina Siniaková, a Spanish qualifier, in the following round, while Collins will take on Cristina Bucşa.
About the Author
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.
