Baltacha slides out but hopes to crash the top 50
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Elena Baltacha's first appearance in the main draw of the US Open ended with a 7-6, 6-3 defeat to Petra Kvitova, but the 27-year-old Scot left Flushing Meadows hoping that she may have done enough to earn a place in the world's top 50. The ranking points earned from her first-round win over Petra Martic may just be enough to see the world No 57 past the next milestone in her late-blossoming career.
"I really believe that I am a top 50 player," Baltacha said after losing to Kvitova, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals this summer. "I know that I'll have to improve, but I think I'm on my way now."
There was little to choose between Baltacha and Kvitova, who won the tie-break 7-5 after a tightly contested first set. However, the Czech's big groundstrokes put increasing pressure on Baltacha, who defended well but eventually buckled under the weight of Kvitova's returns of serve.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments