US Open roundup: Harriet Dart stuns Daria Kasatkina for career-best win

Harriet Dart produced one of the biggest wins of her career to reach the second round of the US Open, beating the 10th seed, Daria Kasatkina, 7-6 (8), 1-6, 6-3 in a tough battle in the late afternoon.

As countless long, physical rallies unfurled during their two hours 30 minutes on court, Dart clinched victory by demonstrating her mental fortitude under pressure in the biggest moments.

In the opening set she saved two set points before clinching the prolonged tie-break. Kasatkina appeared to steady herself after that, winning a one-sided second set before breaking serve for a 3-2 lead in the third. Dart coolly responded by winning the final four games to seal the victory.

Currently ranked 88th, Dart has given herself a good opportunity to reach her first grand slam third round away from Wimbledon. She will next face Dalma Galfi of Hungary, who is ranked three places below her at No 91. Depending on how Emma Raducanu performs this week, more success for Dart in New York could see her leave the US as the British No 1.

Simona Halep’s hopes of continuing her career resurgence came to nothing as she was defeated 6-2, 0-6, 6-4 by Daria Snigur of Ukraine in the biggest upset of the opening day of play.

Although Halep reached the semi-final in 2015, the US Open is her worst grand slam event by a distance. But Halep had entered the tournament with high hopes after what appeared to be a return to form with her recent WTA 1000 title in Toronto.

Snigur, a 20-year-old who became junior Wimbledon champion in 2019, had come through the qualifying tournament to reach a grand slam main draw for the first time. Between her qualifying matches Snigur took part in the Tennis Plays for Peace exhibition event alongside numerous stars, which