Britain's Harriet Dart has advanced to the second round of the US Open for the third time, securing a comeback victory over American Peyton Stearns on 31 August 2026. The 30-year-old's 3-6 6-3 6-2 triumph marked her first main-draw singles win at a Grand Slam in 19 months, ending a frustrating stretch that saw her fail to qualify for four of the previous six majors.
Ranked world number 131, Dart had not won a Grand Slam singles match since reaching the second round of the 2025 Australian Open. Her recent record at the sport's biggest events had been bleak: she fell at the first hurdle at the past two editions of Wimbledon after receiving wildcards on each occasion, and struggled to secure places in main draws across the calendar.
Against Stearns, ranked world number 55, Dart faced an uphill battle after losing the opening set and falling a break down in the second. The American applied relentless pressure on Dart's serve throughout the opening set, eventually breaking in the eighth game to secure the first set without offering another break opportunity.
Dart was broken again in the opening game of the second set, but Stearns' performance became increasingly erratic as the match progressed. The American's 40 winners were undermined by 47 unforced errors, allowing Dart to capitalize. She secured two breaks of her own to level the match and force a deciding set.
Taking control midway through the third set, Dart completed a crucial hold in the sixth game to halt a run of three consecutive breaks. She then converted her fourth match point to seal a nervy victory in just under two and a half hours, immediately rushing to celebrate with her team courtside.
Dart's coaching setup now includes 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, who joined her before this year's French Open. The partnership has already borne fruit: Dart reached the quarter-finals at July's Challenger tournament in Vancouver and qualified for the Cincinnati Open in August. Speaking about Bartoli's influence during qualifying, Dart praised her mentor's insight.
She's a Grand Slam champion, so I can speak to her about her experiences, the way she sees the game and the way she sees my game. Her tennis IQ – and her IQ generally – is insane. It's just about trying to grow and improve everything I can. I was really pleased she was able to come on board and grateful she's here for me.
Dart's path to the main draw required considerable effort. She took three sets in all six of her qualifying matches, including losses of the opening set against both Kristina Penickova and Heather Watson before ultimately defeating Watson in the final qualifying round to secure her place in the draw.
In the second round, Dart will face 25th seed Marie Bouzkova. She joins fellow British players Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter in advancing from the first round. According to the LTA's US Open update, Dart's second-round match is scheduled as part of the tournament's continuing women's singles draw.
What happens next?
Dart is due to play 25th seed Marie Bouzkova in the second round of the 2026 US Open, with subsequent-round timings to be confirmed as the tournament progresses.
Key Facts
- Dart's victory on 31 August 2026 ended a 19-month wait for a Grand Slam singles win, her last coming at the 2025 Australian Open
- The British player came back from losing the first set and a break in the second to defeat Stearns 3-6 6-3 6-2
- This is Dart's third appearance in the US Open second round, having previously reached that stage in 2022 and 2024
- Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion, joined Dart's coaching team before the French Open and has been instrumental in her recent improvement
- Dart will face 25th seed Marie Bouzkova in the second round, with Toby Samuel and Katie Boulter also advancing for Britain
