WASHINGTON – Emma Radukanu lost sixth-seeded Marta Kostuk on Tuesday to beat DC 7-6 (4), 6-4, extending the slide that has now lasted more than two months.
This was the fifth tournament that Kostuk left in the first round. She also lost in the fourth round in Rome and began her current rut. She has not won a match in Rome since May 11th.
Radukanu, 46th in the 2021 US Open, will next face four-time major champions Naomi Osaka or Yulia Putinzeva.
In men’s action in the hard court tournament, Cameron Nolly eliminated No. 2 seed Lorenzomsetti 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The Italian was injured at the French Open last month and has not won a match as he needs to stop playing in the semi-finals. Musetti lost in his first round at Wimbledon a year after reaching the semi-finals.
Holga Rune, who came in third in Washington, retreated before the game on Tuesday due to a back injury.
Venus Williams was scheduled to play her first singles match in over a year against Payton Stearns on Tuesday night. Williams, 45, won the doubles at the DC Open on Monday.