Ashleigh Barty knocked out of US Open as Emma Raducanu awaits Shelby Rogers clash

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Emma Raducanu will face Shelby Rogers in the fourth round of the US Open after the American mounted a stunning comeback to send Ashleigh Barty packing in the early hours of Sunday morning. The world No 1 claimed the first set but was unable to hold on to her advantage, with Rogers storming to a 6-2 1-6 7-6 (7-5) win in New York.

Barty was widely expected to set up a fourth-round clash with Raducanu, but the young Brit will instead do battle with Rogers after the latter’s incredible victory.

She came close to being sent home in the deciding set when Barty was presented with the opportunity to serve for the match.

However, the Australian was ultimately pegged back as Rogers rattled off four games in a row before clinching the tiebreak to book her place in the next round.

Speaking after the match, Barty expressed her disappointment at the result but insisted that her performance was nothing to be ashamed of.

“I just didn’t quite have enough physically or mentally in the tank,” she said.

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“But that’s OK. We’ve had a great year so far. We’re looking forward to celebrating the good stuff that we’ve done, learning from the hurt, learning from the experiences, and moving on.

“I mean, the last six months have been a roller coaster. I think back to the very first match that I played on this trip, I was 5-2 down in the third set in the first round of Miami. Tennis has a funny way of evening things out, doesn’t it?

“I’m proud of myself and my team for all the efforts we’ve put in in the last six months. It’s been pretty incredible. I don’t think we could have asked for much more honestly.

“I wouldn’t change a thing. With all of the tough moments that we have had, it’s created some of the most enjoyable experiences.

“I’ve learnt so much about myself, about them, the way that we work together. It’s been truly an incredible six months.”

Barty’s elimination could be good news for Raducanu as he looks to improve on her Wimbledon showing by reaching the fifth round of this year’s US Open in her second Grand Slam appearance to date.

The world No 150 breezed past Sara Sorribes Tormo with a 6-0 6-1 win to secure her place in round four with a stunning performance on Saturday evening.

However, Raducanu insisted after the match that she was not given an easy ride, explaining that her game plan was to test her opponent’s return by consistently hitting the corners of the court.

“I was playing very well and I know Sara is a very tough opponent, she doesn’t make a mistake so you have to be on your game,” said the 18-year-old.

“I had to work so hard and there were some really long deuce games which could have gone either way.

“I am really happy that I was able to maintain and stay on it. For this one I knew the plan was I had to hit through her and hit the corners.

“If you train against her you’re probably going to come out second best. I just took the game to her and hit more winners than errors today.”

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