British qualifier Lily Miyazaki wins her first grand slam match on US Open debut
Lily Miyazaki kicked off the British problem on the US Open by reaching the second spherical on her Flushing Meadows debut.
There have been echoes of Emma Raducanu after the 27-year-old qualifier, Britain’s sole consultant on day one, beat Russian Margarita Betova 6-3 6-3.
The world quantity 199 could also be unlikely to emulate Raducanu’s fairy-tale title win two years in the past, however she nonetheless secured a near-£100,000 pay day and a high-profile second-round match towards Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.
“It’s going to be a tricky match for positive,” stated Miyazaki.
“However I suppose the nice factor is I’ve seen her play loads of occasions and she or he in all probability doesn’t know a lot about me.”
Whereas the opposite six British gamers in the primary draw had the time without work, Miyazaki took on the skilled Betova, who was enjoying underneath a protected rating after getting back from having a toddler.
Miyazaki, who moved to London aged 10 however solely modified allegiance from Japan final 12 months, overcame an early break and gained six video games in a row to take management.
With fellow Brit Jodie Burrage cheering her on, Miyazaki completed the job on her second match level to win in an hour and 20 minutes.
Miyazaki, whose solely earlier grand slam look got here when she misplaced within the Wimbledon first spherical in 2022 as a wild card, added: “I’ve loved the environment right here.
“I used to be actually grateful for the help from Jodie and everybody, and it positively helped me out.”
