Britain’s Jan Choinski knocked out of US Open after five-set epic
The British number 10 fought back from two sets down to take world number 55 Roberto Carballes Baena to a decider.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jan Choinski became the first British casualty of the US Open after falling to an agonising five-set defeat to Roberto Carballes Baena.
Choinski, ranked 276 in the world, had earned himself a 100,000 US dollar (£75,730) payday by coming through qualifying to earn a spot in the main draw at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
And he looked to be heading for a swift exit as he found himself two sets and a break down to the world number 55.
But the British number 10 rallied to send it to a decider, only for Carballes Baena to regain control and earn a 6-2 6-3 5-7 6-7 (5) 6-3 victory.
Choinski said in the build-up to his first-round match that, even with his hefty prize money, he would stick by his trusty Volvo car, which has racked up the miles.
But this defeat would have driven him mad, having shown tenacity and grit to get back into the match.
And when he forced five break points in the opening game of the decider, he might have thought it was going to be his day.
But the Spaniard saved them all, then broke to love in the next game to break Choinski’s heart.