Simona Halep makes history at the US Open, but this time not for the right reason. The Romanian is the first world no.1 in the history of the tournament (women) to lose in the 1^st round.

Simona lost in the opener to the world no.44 Kaia Kanepi, but even if the world no.1 was a bit lethargic at the beginning, all the merit was to the Estonian that played outstanding tennis full of fearless winners from every part of the court.

Halep found herself 6-2 3-0 down in no time, but when she managed to come back (4-4), it seemed as she was ready to win the contest at the decider. Instead, things got sideways after Simona didn’t manage to convert a 40-15 lead, and eventually it was Kaia to clinch the next 2 games and conquer the match. The final score was a stern 6-2 6-4, and the match ended just after 76 minutes.

I have never played well at the US Open. HALEP

After the match, Simona commented “I never play my best tennis here, even if I’ve done quarterfinals, semifinals. I feel like my game is not at its best, at the best level. But always I fight for every match.

Today was not my day; the balance was not there. I couldn’t feel myself strong on the court to win this match. I was actually practicing okay yesterday and two days ago, but that’s it. It’s just a day, and it’s a bad day for me. She deserved to win because she was playing better than me today.”

Kaia will now face the world no.168 Jil Teichman for a place in the 3^rd round.

Stunner on Louis Armstrong Stadium!

Kaia Kanepi knocks out Halep 6-2, 6-4 and it’s now the first time a top seeded woman has lost her opening round match at the #USOpen… pic.twitter.com/NIrKFM7gel

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 27, 2018