British tennis suffered a catastrophic collective collapse at the US Open, witnessing a brutal second-round wipeout that extinguished all home nation hopes in the singles draws.
The day of devastation began with Dan Evans, the British No. 2, squandering a commanding lead to succumb to a demoralising five-set defeat against unseeded Australian Rinky Hijikata. Evans had been in control, leading by two sets to one, but his game unravelled in a dramatic 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6 loss on Court 17.
Boulter's Brave Fight Ends in Agony
On the grand stage of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Katie Boulter provided fierce resistance but ultimately fell short against former world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The Australian Open champion proved too powerful, ending British interest in the women's draw with a 6-1, 6-4 victory despite Boulter's spirited second-set fightback.
Young Guns Norrie and Draper Fall Short
The British exodus was completed as both Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie failed to progress. Draper, battling his way back from injury, was overpowered by Polish 17th seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 5-7, 4-6 in just over two hours.
Norrie, the British No. 1 and last remaining hope, faced a formidable challenge against Matteo Arnaldi. The Italian qualifier produced the performance of his career to stun the 16th seed 3-6, 4-6, 3-6 in a straight-sets demolition that concluded Britain's miserable day in New York.
This mass elimination marks a significant setback for British tennis, leaving no representatives in either singles draw as the tournament moves into its crucial second week at Flushing Meadows.
