Katie Boulter suffered a nightmare US Open exit in a punishing straight sets defeat to Karolina Muchova in under an hour at Flushing Meadows.
The British No 1 was broken in all seven of her service games in a chastening 6-1 6-0 defeat inside 58 minutes on Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Boulter traded breaks with Muchova at the start of the first set only for the 2026 Wimbledon finalist to pull clear and put on a clinic for her beleaguered opponent.
Boulter double faulted eight times and produced 22 unforced errors in a nightmare, error-strewn performance that left her hopes of progressing in tatters.
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“Ultimately, it was a bad day at the office – times two,” said Boulter. “I struggled with the conditions. I struggled with the roof, the noise, I let things distract me.
“I let it get to me. I’m not usually aware of everything going on. It made me feel a little bit uncomfortable. I have to deal with it better.”
‘All-round Muchova can do anything’
Sky Sports Tennis’ Tim Henman:
“It was a tough day at the office for Boulter, and that is where Muchova deserves so much credit. She is such an all-round player. The focus was definitely on Muchova rather than what Boulter didn’t do.
“The highlight reel from the match was outstanding. There were so many incredible shots and great rallies. She’s got the variation, using the little short chip cross-court, following the ball in and knocking off volleys at the net. She can do anything.
“She has reached the French Open and Wimbledon finals and is great on hard courts. If she can stay healthy, she has the experience, mentality, confidence and belief to win one of these tournaments one day.”
‘Bad day at office for Boulter’
Sky Sports Tennis’ Laura Robson:
“You’ve got to focus on the positives, and that was how well Muchova played.
“She showed us every trick in the book. She has so much in her repertoire. She’s playing with a lot of confidence for something who hasn’t played a lot since Wimbledon.
“Not a good day at the office for Boulter.”
Muchova in mix for maiden Grand Slam?
Sky Sports Tennis’ Jonathan Overend:
“Karolina Muchova has yet to win a Grand Slam in her career but played some exceptional tennis. On that evidence, she has brilliant potential in this tournament.
“A day to forget for Katie Boulter. She just wasn’t there and lost her serve seven times out of seven. That does not give you a chance.”
Jones overcomes rain delays to reach round two
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Highlights of Magda Linette against Francesca Jones from the US Open.
Fran Jones got a win on the board for the Brits in her rain interrupted first-round match against Magda Linette despite a terrible start when play resumed.
Jones had won the first set when rain forced a halt on Tuesday night, with the 25-year-old qualifier fuming at having to sit shivering under a towel for 20 minutes while officials decided whether to take the players off court.
They returned to Court Five 17 hours later, only for the heavens to open again without a ball being hit, and when play did eventually resume Linette won the second set in 23 minutes.
But Jones hit back impressively in the third to win 6-4 1-6 6-3 and reach round two for the first time.
Fearnley beaten by Etcheverry in four
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Highlights of Jacob Fearnley against Martin Etcheverry from the US Open
Jacob Fearnley finally ran out of lives against Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry.
The 25-year-old from Edinburgh had been beaten in qualifying, got a reprieve as a lucky loser, and was then 5-2 down in the fourth set against Martin Landaluce in round one before wriggling out of danger.
However, there will be no third chance for Fearnley after a 6-3 6-3 3-6 6-3 defeat.
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Choinski’s four-day first-round run brought to end
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Highlights of Botic Van de Zandschulp vs Jan Choinski from the US Open
Britain’s Jan Choinski made it to day four at the US Open, but was still a first-round casualty.
The towering German-born 30-year-old was beaten in straight sets by fellow beanpole, Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp.
Getting to the first Wednesday at Flushing Meadows is usually a notable achievement for a British player.
But Choinski’s stay at the tournament was only extended after his first-round match was pushed back by the rain in New York.
A handful of players were already through to round three by the time Choinski took to the court, but he was soundly beaten in the big-serving battle 6-3 6-1 7-6 (5) in just under two hours.
Choinski is coached by his girlfriend Sophia, who was shouting encouragement from his players’ box.
He said: “She always tries to help me, tries to keep me positive, for sure. In the first set it was quite good, I had some chances but from that point it got tough.
“The guy was playing aggressively and she just keeps me fighting and motivated. But in a match like that it’s quite tough.”
In other news, British No 1 Arthur Fery has signed up to play in the men’s doubles tournament alongside Joshua Paris.
The US Open is live on Sky Sports every day until September 13. Stream tennis with no contract on NOW and the Sky Sports App. You can also watch the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from 25-27 September live on Sky Sports.