Katie Boulter endured a harrowing exit from the US Open, succumbing to Karolina Muchova in a brisk, two‑set demolition that lasted just 58 minutes on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows. The British No. 1 was broken on every single one of her seven service games, ultimately falling 6‑1, 6‑0 in a performance that left her visibly frustrated and questioning the conditions.
From the opening game, Muchova, the 2026 Wimbledon finalist, seized the initiative. After an early exchange of breaks, the Czech player pulled away, showcasing a masterclass in aggressive baseline play and deft touch at the net. Boulter’s service game was riddled with errors; she double‑faulted eight times and committed 22 unforced mistakes, a tally that underscored the nightmarish nature of her outing. In the post‑match interview, Boulter admitted, "It was a bad day at the office – times two.
I struggled with the conditions, the roof, the noise – everything seemed to distract me. I let it get to me, and I wasn’t aware of what was happening around me.
I have to learn to manage that better." Tim Henman, providing commentary for Sky Sports Tennis, praised Muchova’s all‑round abilities, noting that the match’s highlight reel was filled with spectacular shots and lengthy rallies. He highlighted her variety – from short cross‑court chips to aggressive net volleys – and emphasized that her experience in Grand Slam finals at the French Open and Wimbledon, combined with her hard‑court competence, positions her as a future major champion if she can stay healthy. Laura Robson echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Muchova displayed "every trick in the book" and played with confidence despite limited match play since Wimbledon.
Jonathan Overend added that, although Muchova has yet to capture a Grand Slam title, her performance indicated a high ceiling for the tournament, while Boulter’s serve collapse – broken seven times out of seven – left her with little chance of recovery. In other British news, qualifier Fran Jones secured a hard‑earned victory against Poland’s Magda Linette after a rain‑delayed first round. Jones had taken the opening set before a weather suspension forced a 20‑minute intermission during which she was forced to sit under a towel, shivering as officials debated the continuation of play. The match resumed on Court Five 17 hours later, only for the skies to open again before a single point could be played.
When play finally continued, Linette surged to claim the second set in a rapid 23‑minute burst. Undeterred, Jones rallied in the deciding set, delivering a composed 6‑4, 1‑6, 6‑3 win that propelled her into the second round for the first time in her career. Jacob Fearnley’s US Open journey ended in the fourth set against Argentina’s Tomás Martín Etcheverry. After falling in the qualifying rounds, Fearnley entered the main draw as a lucky loser.
He fought back from a 5‑2 deficit in the fourth set against Martin Landaluce, showing resilience, but ultimately succumbed 6‑3, 6‑3, 3‑6, 6‑3. German‑born British player Jan Choinski also bowed out in the first round, losing to Dutch opponent Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 6‑3, 6‑1, 7‑6(5). The match, which lasted just under two hours, featured a classic big‑serving duel.
Despite a supportive presence from his girlfriend and coach, Sophia, who shouted encouragement from the player’s box, Choinski could not find a foothold against the aggressive Dutchman. He reflected, "She always tries to help me stay positive.
The first set was decent, I had chances, but it got tough after that. He played aggressively and kept me motivated, but it was a hard match." Meanwhile, Britain’s top male player, Arthur Fery, announced a partnership with fellow Brit Joshua Paris for the men’s doubles competition, adding another British storyline to the tournament. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports each day until September 13, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app for viewers who prefer contract‑free access.
Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup, scheduled to be held at the O2 Arena in London from September 25‑27, which will also be shown live on Sky Sports.