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Tennis

Defending US Open Champion Emma Raducanu Loses in First Round

Last year’s US Open was quite historic for Emma Raducanu, but she failed to replicate the same success upon her return. The British teen lost to Alize Cornet in the very first round on Tuesday, ending her US Open title defense at Flushing Meadows. Raducanu couldn’t stand her ground to Cornet, who scored an easy 6-3 6-3 victory to proceed to the next round. The 19-year-old tennis player is currently ranked as world no. 11, but her WTA ranking will significantly lower following the US Open, and it’s currently projected she’ll drop to no. 84. The British no. 1 is trying to keep her hopes up following this disappointing defeat, and she sees her drop in ratings as a clean slate that allows her to climb her way back up. "This one obviously hurts a bit because it's my favorite tournament and there are a lot of emotions in the past year. I'm proud for putting myself out there every match, every day, knowing I'm pushing myself to be the best I can," said Raducanu following her loss. Raducanu defeated Leylah Fernandez to win the US Open last year, and her victory was quite historic. She became the first British woman to win a Grand Slam singles title since Virginia Wade in 1977.