British number one and seventh seed Johanna Konta has been shocked out of the US Open, in the first round, losing to unseeded Aleksandra Krunic from Serbia, in three sets 6-4 3-6 6-4.
She joined another British player, Heather Watson who also lost in the first round.
Konta, a semi-finalist in Wimbledon this year, made only 45% of first serves against Krunic, ranked 78, with the Serb the more aggressive player as the match progressed.
She had reached the fourth round in the last two years and hopes were obviously high that she could build on that this time. But she fell short of the expectations.
Konta fought back from a break down in the final set but Krunic broke again at 3-3 before serving out for victory.
A delighted Krunic said at the end of the match: “I feel amazing, I’m happy with the way I played and fought – she is an awesome player and I had to be at my best from the first point.
“I am proud that I did things tactically in my head and it worked out. In my case it is not about the tennis, it is about getting my stuff together.
“I am not the best server on tour, I am happy I had everything together and I was brave enough to make some winners.
“Three years ago [when she reached the fourth round] everything worked out well in that week.
“Before and after that I was not a hard worker, this year I have been working really hard and I try and cool myself down on the court, I am not sure if it is obvious it it is hard. I am now winning more matches and that is what matters.”
While Konta and Watson are out, other Britons, such as Kyle Edmund and Cameron Norrie won on day one at Flushing Meadows.
