Noel Falls in US Open Main Draw

Photo courtesy USTA

FLUSHING, N.Y. – Alexa Noel, playing in her first professional Grand Slam, came up short in her first-round match at the US Open on Tuesday evening.

After spending close to a week in New York practicing for the tournament, Noel made her US Open debut against Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo, but ultimately fell 6-1, 6-3.

“I’m disappointed of course. I come into every tournament and every match with high expectations for myself and it’s not easy to lose,” said Noel, who in May won the NCAA Division I singles championship. “It was a dream to play here in my backyard and a great experience.”

Despite an electric atmosphere on Court Four at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Noel fell behind 3-0 in the first set. She continued to battle but found herself down 5-0 before winning her first game of the match. Ultimately, though, she’d lose the set.

Early in the second, Noel rallied to win three games before eventually falling to the 27-year-old Spaniard.

Still, despite the loss, Noel said the experience of playing at her first US Open was one she won’t forget any time soon.

“I’m happy to have been here,” she said.