Defending champion Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka both lose in US Open first round | CNN

CNN
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It was a night to forget for two of tennis’ biggest names. Naomi Osaka And Emma Reducano Crash out of both US Open First round on Tuesday.

On a rainy night in New York, Osaka was defeated by American Daniel Collins in straight sets – 7-6(5) 6-3 – while defending champion Emma Radukano fell to Alize Cornet.

Raducanu, 19, stunned the world by winning her first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows last year, but has since struggled to find similar form.

The veteran Cornet’s experience and intensity proved too much for him as he was defeated in straight sets – 6-3 6-3.

“It obviously hurts a bit because it’s my favorite tournament and there were a lot of emotions last year,” he told reporters after the loss.

“I take pride in putting myself out there every match, every day, knowing that I’m pushing myself to be the best I can be.”

Raducanu will drop down the rankings after a disappointing year plagued by injuries and changes in their coaching staff.

The youngster has struggled to come to life on the full WTA Tour but has shown flashes of the quality that earned her her first Grand Slam title just 12 months ago.

Cornet has only been in better form and is now no stranger to big results at the Slams, having previously beaten the likes of Iga Svetek at Wimbledon.

The Frenchwoman now holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Slam appearances in the Open era, which had stood at 63.

“I think I’m handling my emotions better,” Cornett told reporters after the match. “I feel like I’m getting older – more mature. It shows in my results. I’m 32 – better late than never.

Osaka had a similar Raducanu experience but this time at the hands of the talented Collins.

The world number 19 had never won a set against Osaka in their previous three meetings but this time outlasted the four-time Grand Slam champion.

“When you lose to somebody three times, you get a lot of information about what you can do better,” Collins told reporters.

“With Naomi being the player that she is, she definitely made me cry last time. I just had to learn from her and make adjustments and I think I did.

Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, was unseeded at this year’s event and is currently ranked 44th in the world.

Struggling with speed and form, she was probably the underdog coming into the first round but performed brilliantly despite the loss.

Collins will now play Spanish qualifier Cristina Buxa in the next round, while Cornet faces Katerina Siniakova.