British duo take opening steps toward Flushing Meadows
Harriet Dart overcame Jordyn Hazelitt in three sets, while Fran Jones defeated Nuria Brancaccio in straight sets in the first round of US Open qualifying. Jodie Burrage and Henry Searle both lost their opening matches. The qualifiers must win three rounds to reach the main draw, which starts Sunday.
Dart’s three-set victory over Hazelitt included a dominant opening bagel but a shaky tiebreak, yet she steadied to close out the match. Jones, a first-time qualifier last year, needed just two sets against Brancaccio and now faces Mona Barthel. Meanwhile, Burrage and Searle exited early, while Heather Watson resumes Wednesday against Angela Fita Boluda. Five other British men—Fearnley, Samuel, Harris, Wendelken, and Pinnington Jones—still await their second-round qualifying matches.
Arthur Fery, fresh off a Wimbledon semifinal run, warmed up with a comeback win over Cruz Hewitt at Winston-Salem. The qualifying tournament requires three victories to reach the main draw, which begins Sunday. Notable names advancing include former finalist Kei Nishikori and 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu, while Grigor Dimitrov also moved through.
This qualifying round highlights the steep path for lower-ranked players, who must win three matches just to enter a Grand Slam. Success can boost rankings, prize money, and sponsorship opportunities, while early exits may strain finances for those without backing. British tennis fans may see this as a gauge of depth beyond the top stars, with results potentially influencing future wildcard decisions and grassroots interest in the sport.