Tamara Korpatsch Suffers Shock First-Round Exit to Lilli Tagger at US Open

Tamara Korpatsch suffered a first-round exit at the US Open, losing her opening match at Flushing Meadows after struggling with physical issues and a slow start in New York.

Physical Struggles and a Tough Opening Set

According to reports from Eurosport, Korpatsch admitted that her physical condition severely hampered her performance on court. “Der erste Satz ging viel zu schnell weg. Es hat nichts geklappt, wie ich wollte. Ich bin gestern etwas krank geworden, es war körperlich eine Quälerei,” Korpatsch explained, noting that she fell ill the day prior and found the opening frame to be a severe physical ordeal.

Korpatsch expressed particular frustration over missed opportunities during the match, pointing specifically to two missed set points while returning against her opponent’s serve that she stated she would never forget.

The Turning Point in Set Two

After being outplayed early on, Korpatsch fought her way back into contention during the second set. She dug out of her early deficit and mounted a strong challenge, eventually pulling ahead to a 5–4 lead.

However, her opponent settled down and regained control during the crucial closing games. Following a competitive battle that lasted 1 hour and 56 minutes, the decisive break went the other way, denying Korpatsch a path to the second round.

Tournament Context and Next Steps

The defeat halts Korpatsch’s campaign in New York before the eyes of national coach Torben Beltz. She had entered the tournament carrying the distinction of being Germany’s top-ranked singles player, having celebrated her second career tour title in Hamburg in late July.

With this early exit at Flushing Meadows, Korpatsch misses out on repeating her second-round appearance from 2023. Meanwhile, the tournament continues with other German contenders—including Eva Lys, Tatjana Maria, and Ella Seidel—scheduled to begin their respective campaigns.