Linda Klimovicova has been eliminated from the US Open qualifying tournament after losing 6-3, 7-5 to Dutch opponent Anouk Koevermans in New York.
The Czech-born tennis player representing Poland saw her tournament run end in the second qualifying round after requiring medical treatment near the conclusion of a competitive second set.
Klimovicova had opened her qualifying campaign with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 victory over Lisa Pigato. However, her second match against the 22-year-old Koevermans proved far more challenging.
The US Open, held annually at Flushing Meadows in New York, is the final Grand Slam event of the tennis season. Players competing in the qualifying rounds must win three consecutive matches to secure a place in the main tournament draw.
First set battle
The opening set began evenly as both players maintained control during their initial service games. Klimovicova faced her first setback in the fourth game when Koevermans created a break point opportunity, though the Polish representative managed to defend it.
Koevermans continued to build pressure as the set progressed. The Dutch player secured the first break of serve in the sixth game to open up a 4-2 lead, before holding firm to take the opening set 6-3.
Second set turnaround
Klimovicova responded strongly at the start of the second set, winning her opening service game without trouble. Both players held serve effectively until the sixth game, when Klimovicova broke Koevermans to establish a 4-2 lead.
The lead was short-lived as Koevermans immediately rallied in the seventh game. The 22-year-old constructed a 40-0 lead to earn three break points. Klimovicova fought back to reach deuce at 40-40, but Koevermans ultimately won the tight game to break back.
After Koevermans held serve in the eighth game despite Klimovicova pressing for another break opportunity, Klimovicova responded with a love service hold. Koevermans then held her serve to make it 5-5 before breaking Klimovicova's serve to move ahead 6-5.
Medical treatment and conclusion
At that point, Klimovicova opted to receive medical assistance on the court. Following the treatment break, Koevermans returned to complete the set 7-5 and seal victory in the match.
Koevermans moves on to the final qualifying round, where she will play Mariam Bolkvadze for a place in the main draw of the US Open.
