\n<\/p>\n
Harriet Dart and Francesca Jones both fell to seeded players as British interest in the US Open singles ended in the second round.<\/b><\/p>\n
Dart said she felt “under the weather” during her 6-2 6-2 defeat by Czech 25th seed Marie Bouzkova as temperatures reached around 30C in New York.<\/p>\n
Her loss meant Jones was the last Briton standing in either singles draw, and she acquitted herself well before falling 6-4 6-4 to 14th seed and rising American star Iva Jovic.<\/p>\n
Nine British players competed in the US Open main draws – the most since 1981 – with four coming through qualifying.<\/p>\n
Five of them reached the second round, but Jacob Fearnley was the only player to win a set as they all fell to seeded players.<\/p>\n
Lucky loser Fearnley fell in four sets to 27th seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry, while qualifier Toby Samuel was beaten by 18th seed Jiri Lehecka.<\/p>\n
Katie Boulter lost to Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova in only 58 minutes on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
In the men’s draw, Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery, Harry Wendelken and Jan Choinski exited in the first round.<\/p>\n
Jones, ranked 90 places lower than Jovic, made the American work for one hour and 54 minutes to reach the third round.<\/p>\n
Humid conditions meant both players frequently dashed to the back of the court between points to dry their hands and face.<\/p>\n
It was Jovic who started on the front foot, opening up a double break and a 3-0 lead as the 18-year-old controlled the rallies with some deep hitting from the baseline.<\/p>\n
Jones snatched a break back and kept in touch with Jovic – but she could not make the most of a break point as Jovic served for the set.<\/p>\n
After wrapping up the opener, Jovic raced into a 4-1 lead in the second, only to once again be dragged back by Jones.<\/p>\n
The Briton saved three match points on her own serve but Jovic produced one of her best service games to seal victory and set up a meeting with good friend Alexandra Eala.<\/p>\n
“It’s not like I was outclassed. You’re talking about someone who has gone deep in the slams,” Jones said of Jovic.<\/p>\n
“It was just half-chances. It’s frustrating, but it’s pretty clear my level is there.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n