Japan's Ai Sugiyama comfortably defeated little-known Jeon Mi Ra of South Korea in straight sets (6-3, 6-3) in the first round of the women's singles event at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, compatriot Shinobu Asagoe put up a brave fight before succumbing to Emilie Loit of France 6-4, 7-6 (11-9) but said she was pleased with her progress since being injured in July.