2018 US Open already gave us a major shock in the first round. Simona Halep, currently top-ranked female tennis player in the world, was eliminated by 44th ranked Kaia Kanepi. This is the first time since professional era began in 1968 that the top-seeded female tennis player exited the tournament in the first round.
For Simona Halep, on the other hand, it isn’t the first time that she leaves Flushing Meadows early. She was also eliminated in the first round of 2017 US Open by Maria Sharapova.
“Maybe the noise in the crowd,” – Halep said after 2-6, 4-6 defeat. “The city is busy. So everything together. I’m a quiet person, so maybe I like the smaller places.“
“Even when you are there in the top, you feel the same nerves. You are human. For me, it’s more difficult in the first rounds, because I’m more emotional. That’s why I need a good start.” – the 26-year-old added.
While Simona Halep doesn’t seem to enjoy New York, Kaia Kanepi loves it in the Big Apple.
“I think the courts suit my game,” – said Kanepi after this big win. “I like the atmosphere at the tournament and in the city. And I like the weather: hot and humid.”
After eliminating Halep, Kanepi has a great chance to make a deep run in the tournament. Her next opponent is Jil Teichmann, who is currently ranked 168th in the world.
There were no other significant upsets in the women’s singles of the 2018 US Open since Serena, and Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens, Victoria Azarenka and Garbine Muguruza all made it into the second round.
