Harriet Dart Ends 19-Month Grand Slam Drought with US Open Victory

Harriet Dart has marked a significant milestone in her career by clinching her first Grand Slam victory in 19 months, overcoming Peyton Stearns in a hard-fought match at the US Open. The British player, cheered on by family and friends, showcased her resilience by coming back from a set and a break down to advance to the second round.

The 30-year-old Dart, who had not won a main-draw singles match at a Grand Slam since the 2025 Australian Open, faced a challenging path leading up to this moment. After struggling to qualify for several major tournaments and facing early exits at Wimbledon, her determination was evident as she battled through the match at Flushing Meadows.

Match Highlights

• Dart lost the first set 3-6, with Stearns applying relentless pressure.
• Despite being broken early in the second set, Dart capitalised on Stearns’ inconsistency to win 6-3.
• In the deciding set, Dart seized control, ultimately winning 6-2.

After the match, Dart expressed her gratitude towards her supporters, stating that New York feels like a “home away from home”. She highlighted the importance of her family’s presence, with her uncle and cousins living in the city, and her parents supporting her throughout the tournament.

Working with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli since January, Dart has been focusing on improving her game. She acknowledged Bartoli’s guidance, stating, “From her experience, she knows what I’m going through, how I’m feeling… I feel I’m learning so much every time we speak.” This partnership appears to be paying off, as Dart builds on her recent successes, including a quarter-final run at a Challenger tournament in Vancouver.

Looking ahead, Dart is set to face 25th seed Marie Bouzkova in the second round, where she will aim to continue her impressive form. Alongside Dart, fellow British players Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter have also advanced to the next stage of the tournament, highlighting a strong showing from the UK contingent at this year’s US Open.

Source: This original report was produced by WTGO Newsroom using verified reporting from BBC Sport.