Clara Burel of France overcame a challenging start to defeat 2017 champion Sloane Stephens 0-6, 7-5, 7-5 in the first round of the US Open on Monday. The match, held during the opening night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, saw Burel recovering after a shaky first set to secure her place in the second round against Victoria Azarenka.
Initially, Burel appeared unsettled under the New York spotlight, making several early mistakes. However, she managed to regain her composure and outmaneuver her more seasoned opponent. "I was a little bit nervous at the beginning, and Sloane was playing really well," Reuters quoted Burel. "I just kept fighting and I found a way."