Highly anticipated at the US Open, Mboko falls in the first round against Krejcikova

A true sensation on the North American tour with her title in Montreal, 18-year-old Victoria Mboko faced the heavy task of living up to her new status at the US Open.

Seeded in a Grand Slam for the first time in her career, the young Canadian was not favored in the draw as she had to face Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion. The underdog on paper, the Czech player handled this first round perfectly, winning 6-3, 6-2 in 1 hour and 22 minutes.

Mboko, who had opted for a period of rest following her triumph in Quebec, fell short in her match, committing 30 unforced errors, 10 double faults, and conceding eleven break points on her service games. She also seemed to suffer from her right wrist, a discomfort that had occurred after a fall in the semifinals in Montreal.

In the second round, Krejcikova will face Moyuka Uchijima, who saved seven match points yesterday in her first-round match against Olga Danilovic.