Dart and Jones advance in US Open qualifying

British players Harriet Dart and Fran Jones have successfully navigated the first round of US Open qualifying, marking positive starts to their campaigns for a spot in the main draw. Dart, a two-time second-round participant at Flushing Meadows, defeated American Jordyn Hazelitt 6-0, 6-7 (1-7), 6-1. She is set to face another young American, 16-year-old Kristina Penickova, in her next match.

Fran Jones, who made her debut in the US Open main draw last year after qualifying, also advanced. She secured a 6-3, 6-4 win over Italy's Nuria Brancaccio and will now play Germany's Mona Barthel. The pair's victories offer a glimmer of hope for British representation in the singles events.

However, not all British hopes progressed. Jodie Burrage was defeated by Spain's Guiomar Maristany in a closely contested match, losing 7-6 (7-1), 6-4. In the men's event, Henry Searle was also eliminated, falling 6-1, 6-2 to American teenager Michael Antonius. Antonius will next face former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori.