Ivanovic crashes out to Grand Slam novice

(GETTY IMAGES)

Winning her first Grand Slam tournament was meant to be the making of Ana Ivanovic, but the 20-year-old Serb's summer went from bad to worse last night when she was knocked out of the US Open by a qualifier. Julie Coin, a 25-year-old Frenchwoman playing in her first Grand Slam tournament, beat the world No 1 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. It was the earliest exit by a top women's seed here since tennis went open 40 years ago.

Since winning the French Open in June, Ivanovic has played in only three tournaments, losing in the third round at both Wimbledon and Montreal and now making an even earlier departure here. She has been troubled by a thumb injury and had struggled to beat Vera Dushevina in the first round.

Coin is ranked No 188 in the world. She arrived here having earned less than $100,000 (about £55,000) in her career and failed in all previous attempts to qualify for a Grand Slam tournament. This was her first tour-level event.

Ivanovic looked vulnerable from the start and was broken in the seventh game. The Serb found some form to take the second set, but Coin dominated the decider. The Frenchwoman double-faulted on her first match point and saw Ivanovic save the second with a forehand winner. On the third Ivanovic hit a forehand long, upon which Coin screamed in delighted, jumped for joy and hit a ball high into the stands.

Coin now plays Amélie Mauresmo, who hails from the same part of France – Amiens.