Kartal limps to US Open defeat after Boulter exit

US Open 2025

Dates: August 24 through September 7 in Flushing Meadows, New York

Sonay Kartal and Katie Boulter, both from the UK, lost in the first round of the US Open due to the city’s sweltering weather.

Kartal, who has been dealing with a knee problem lately, physically suffered in the 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 defeat to Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 18th seed.

Boulter, 29, was unable to turn around her Grand Slam woes, falling to Ukrainian 27th seed Marta Kostyuk, 6-4, 6-4.

A limping Kartal led 3-0 in a bizarre deciding set before receiving a lifeline when Haddad Maia’s movement also became hampered, presumably due to cramp.

In the testing environment, points slowed and slowed, but neither player resisted giving in.

Haddad Maia couldn’t walk and lost her serve, which was 3-1, thanks to the vocal support of a boisterous group of Brazilian fans, who gave her a remarkable victory.

Boutler was a seeded player at Flushing Meadows at the time last year, but after a difficult season, he is now in danger of dropping out of the top 50.

The powerful baseliner has never advanced past a major’s second week, and her lack of confidence in Kostyuk seemed to be a result of her lack of form.

Boulter claimed she had regained her “buzz” despite only having won once in her previous eight matches.

After taking “days off from the sport” following the Canadian Open last month, Boulter believed she had found a new perspective.

She said, “You can look at the results and think she’s having a tough time, but I’m actually really excited.”

I had to lose it in Montreal a few weeks ago, and I think that was a turning point in my career.

In the middle of the US hard-court swing, there was a complete reset, and I believe I am on the right track.

In the tenth game, Boulter helped her create three break points and illustrated how she would continue to fight by saving five match points while serving at 5-3.

Kostyuk made it through the second round, but he made a comeback, serving out the match.

Boulter put her struggles down to the adjustments she has been making to her serve, which she had to deal with.

Boulter, who was broken four times, continued, “I’m trying to find rhythm and don’t fully commit to the serve I’m going for.

“At this point, it won’t be done by placing the serve in the court.”