Harriet Dart breaks 19-month Grand Slam drought with US Open comeback
Britain's Harriet Dart rallied from a set down to defeat higher-ranked Peyton Stearns in the US Open first round, ending a 19-month gap without a major win.
Harriet Dart, ranked 131st globally, snapped a 19-month stretch without a Grand Slam singles triumph by overturning a set and a break deficit against American Peyton Stearns at the US Open. Despite being out-matched on paper, Dart fought back to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, securing her first main-draw major victory since the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. The Briton, who had failed to qualify for four of the last six majors and exited early at Wimbledon as a wildcard, benefited from the guidance of former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, who joined her coaching team earlier this year.
Dart's win advances her to a second-round clash with 25th seed Marie Bouzkova, while compatriots Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter also progress. The result follows recent successes, including a quarter-final run at a Vancouver Challenger and qualification for the Cincinnati Open.
Why it matters
Dart's comeback highlights the resilience of lower-ranked players and adds intrigue to the US Open field.
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