Francesca Jones, the last British singles player remaining at the US Open, was defeated by American teenager Iva Jovic in a competitive second-round match on Thursday. Jovic, seeded 14th, won 6-4, 6-4, ending Britain's singles challenge in the tournament.
Jones, 25, battled hard throughout the match, displaying resilience that saw her level the score at times in both sets. She fought off match points and pushed Jovic to deuce multiple times, showcasing a varied game with slices, forehands, and occasional net rushes. Despite Jones' efforts, Jovic ultimately secured the win.
Earlier in the tournament, other British players had also exited the competition. Katie Boulter and Harriet Dart were eliminated in the second round, having managed only a combined five games in their respective matches. In the men's draw, Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery, and Jan Choinski were defeated in the first round. Qualifier Harry Wendelken also fell in his opening match.
However, fellow British qualifiers Toby Samuel and Jacob Fearnley managed to reach the second round. Samuel advanced with a straight-sets victory, while Fearnley secured his spot as a lucky loser and won his rain-delayed first-round match. Both Samuel and Fearnley were subsequently eliminated in the second round.
Jovic, at 18 years old, is considered a rising talent, and her victory over Jones highlights her potential in Flushing Meadows. The match, played on Court 17, was a testament to Jones' fighting spirit, often referred to as 'Northern grit', even as she faced a partisan home crowd.
