Katie Boulter stops outside the top 50 in the world after losing to Malta Kostuk in the opening round of the US Open.
The former UK first has had a difficult season and admitted ahead of the contest that he began to feel burned out after heading straight from Wimbledon to the US.
This was a tough draw against the 27th seed, with Boulter preventing his first opening round loss in four years, losing 6-4, 6-4.
Boulder’s only previous match with Ukrainian Kostuk came to San Diego last spring, bringing the biggest title of her career.
However, she was unable to defend her crown due to injuries, and since then, despite her falling below main tour level, it has become difficult to come just before the French opening, except for her impressive first title at Clay.
This was a close contest, but it was Kostuk who ultimately took more of her chances. Boulet converted only two of her 10 breakpoints.
Three of these came to the final game after a ballter who hit eight double faults delved into her serve to save five match points, but she couldn’t push the match to the decider.
It was a rare first-round defeat at the 29-year-old’s grand slam, reaching the second round in nine of his 10 previous appearances in the main draw in the majors.
Cartal comes out in a dramatic way
Later on Tuesday, Sonay Cartal limped to lose in an extraordinary opening round clash with Beatrice Haddad Maia.
Kartal made his debut in the main draw in New York after quickly increasing the rankings, looking to write a headline for the Grand Slam following the fourth round of Wimbledon.
She defeated Haddad Maia at Indian Wells earlier this season, but inspired by her raucous Brazilian fan club, the 18th seed overcomes convulsions and claims a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 victory.
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The third set, delayed by Haddad Maia’s long bathroom break, provided high drama with both women barely moving.
Apparently struggling with a recurring knee issues, Kartal went back and forth after Haddad Maia suddenly began cramping his lead 4-0, trying to find his way home after struggling to roll his serve on the net.
But Kartal clearly made a physical compromise and it was Hadad Maia who was able to trip across the line.