US Open: Gracheva, Last French Player in Qualifying, Exits in Third Round

There will not be a sixth French player in the main draw of the US Open for now.

Varvara Gracheva, ranked 80th in the world, was the last representative of the French contingent in these qualifiers. Seeded No. 6 and a recent quarterfinalist in Cincinnati, the 25-year-old player held her ground against Madison Brengle (7-5, 6-3) and then Tara Wuerth (7-5, 6-2), before facing Ena Shibahara, the No. 21 seed.

Unfortunately, the French player fell short in her match, being soundly defeated 6-0, 6-4 in 1 hour and 3 minutes. She did not earn a single break point in the match despite her opponent's low first-serve percentage (47%).

However, all is not completely lost for Gracheva, who may still have a chance to enter the main draw as a lucky loser.