- Harriet Dart serves ten double faults as she is defeated by Marta Kostyuk
- Dart suffered a 7-6, 6-1 defeat as she was eliminated from the US Open
On a scorching day in New York, it was Harriet Dart’s serve that melted. The 28-year-old served 10 double faults and lost 7-6, 6-1 to Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
Dart was the better player for most of the first set, but failed to serve the ball out twice, then lost five set points in a painful tiebreak, which was marked by poor service from both players.
The sun was shining brightly and Dart suggested that might have been a factor – the glare as they turned over to serve, and also the heat. ‘It was quite bright,’ she said. ‘We were both struggling a bit.
“I think everyone was suffering there, including the audience. Actually, it’s easier to play than sitting there directly in the sun, at least you can cool down a bit and sweat.”
When No. 19 Kostyuk took the first set 12-10, she was in full control and Dart went into a downward spiral, gesticulating angrily toward her box—often after yet another serve into the net.
Britain’s Harriet Dart made ten double faults in her defeat to Marta Kostyuk
Kostyuk from Ukraine won the US Open match 7-6, 6-1
Darts’ problems with the most fundamental stroke in tennis are not new. This number of double faults is unusual, but her second serve begs to be attacked – with little spin and even less pace.
She has played well this year and will rise to a career high of around 68. But to take her game to the next level, she needs to sharpen her serve a bit more, or at least make the second delivery less vulnerable.
“I feel like I can win these games. I feel like I can compete with anyone I face on the field right now.”
Despite the defeat, Dart has the ambition to reach the top 50 before the end of the year
“The most important thing is to be there and compete with the best of the best and I feel like I’m doing that. I just want to keep going as high as I can and hopefully get into the top 50 by the end of the year.”
Dart’s mother Susie has taken some time off from her teaching job to travel as her daughter’s coach. She misses their dog terribly, Dart says, and the family has enjoyed Susie’s brush with fame.
“My dad thought it was really funny that the dog was mentioned a lot. She had a few messages from school parents saying, ‘Did you leave? Did you get a new job?’ But she’s back in school. So she’s definitely enjoyed her time.”
