Heather Watson and Harriet Dart will go head-to-head for a place in the US Open main draw as six British players made it through to the third and final qualifying round in New York.
Watson kept alive her hopes of a first US Open singles main-draw appearance in five years by overcoming Spain’s Angela Fita Boluda in a rollercoaster encounter lasting nearly three hours.
The 34-year-old was twice a break up in the third set and served for the match – only to be taken to a deciding 10-point tie-break.
However, she held her nerve to seal a 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (10-5) win.
That set up a meeting with her frequent doubles partner Dart, who beat American 16-year-old Kristina Penickova 5-7, 6-0, 6-3.
I’ve not played much in general in the last year and I’ve had some niggles here and there,” Watson said.
“It’s been tough with the scheduling as well, there’s not been many options – especially when you get old in tennis, you can’t do these long-haul flights for a week and then come back.
“It means a lot and I’m very pleased to get through today.”
Francesca Jones could also join British number one Katie Boulter in the women’s main draw after beating German Mona Barthel 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-2 to set up a meeting with Taiwanese player Joanna Garland.
In the men’s event, Jacob Fearnley, Toby Samuel and Harry Wendelken are all one win away from joining Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fery and Jan Choinski in the main draw, which begins on Sunday.
Discover more from Keeping Them Honest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.