US Open 2019: Johanna Konta and Dan Evans safely through to second round after testing starts
Konta beat Daria Kasatkina 6-1 4-6 6-2 in the first round at Flushing Meadows while Evans saw off Afrian Mannarino in four sets
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Your support makes all the difference.British number one Johanna Konta is safely through to the second round of the US Open 2019 after a challenging three-set win over Russia's Daria Kasatkina.
Konta, seeded 16th, had lost in the first round in the last two years, but she progressed to next round with a 6-1 4-6 6-2 victory.
The Brit raced to a 6-1 lead to take the first set as she made very light work of her opponent's second serve and kept herself in command during her service games.
"I started really well and my opponent took some time to settle into the match," she said.
"I capitalised on that and I knew she would raise her level in the second set. She is an incredible payer - no walk in the park! I knew she would be tough."
Kasatkina, who was recently in touching distance of the top 10, grew into the game and took the second set with two confident holds followed by a break of the Konta serve for 3-2 before racing to 6-4.
Konta regained her composure, though, and secured the crucial break to lead 4-1 in the decider before completing an impressive victory.
"I am really pleased I was able to adapt as the match went on. I have played plenty of three-setters this year so if I was upset every time, I'd be upset a lot this year!"
Konta arrived in New York on the back of reaching the semi-final at the French Open and a surprise last eight exit at Wimbledon, which resulted in a testing exchange in a press conference about her mentality to progress further in Grand Slams, and was delighted with the support she had on Court 17 at Flushing Meadows, including from Avenger star Tom Hiddleston.
"I felt very fortunate. I almost felt like an American! There must be lots of British fans here. Thanks for the support."
The 28-year-old is already Britain's sole representative in the women's singles in New York after Harriet Dart tumbled out.
Londoner Dart, who came through three rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw for the first time, lost 6-3 6-1 to Romanian Ana Bogdan.
In the men's draw, Dan Evans battled past Adrian Mannarino, beating the Frenchman 6-4 6-3 2-6 6-3 in a testing match that lasted close to three hours to reach the second round.
Additional reporting from PA
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