Dart's campaign in Eastbourne ended by Ostapenko

By Oli Dickson Jefford, Sportsbeat

Jelena Ostapenko ended Harriet Dart’s run at the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne on a busy Wednesday of action on the south coast.

Dart, who is on the LTA’s Pro Scholarship Programme, was handed a tough test against the Latvian, who won the Eastbourne title two years ago and was the runner-up in 2022.

And Ostapenko continued the momentum from her recent triumph at the LTA’s Rothesay Classic Birmingham, beating Dart 6-3 6-4 in a well-contested match on Eastbourne’s Centre Court.

Elsewhere, Jodie Burrage saw her campaign come to a close, the Kingston player defeated 6-1 6-1 by Coco Gauff in their second round contest.

Fifth seed Gauff will next face third seed and doubles partner Jessica Pegula, who battled past Camila Osorio 6-2 1-6 6-3 to reach the last eight.

Also victorious in the women’s singles was 2014 champion Madison Keys, who beat Wang Xiya 6-2 7-6(3), while ninth seed Daria Kasatkina saw off former winner Karolina Pliskova 3-6 6-3 6-3.

But there was a surprise result in the women’s draw, with Camila Giorgi beating Wimbledon finalist and fourth seed Ons Jabeur 6-3 6-2.

In men’s singles action, Liam Broady saw his campaign come to an end with a 6-2 6-4 loss to Mikael Ymer.

Meanwhile, in arguably the biggest shock of the day, Mackenzie McDonald defeated defending champion Taylor Fritz 7-6(3) 7-6(8) to reach the quarter-finals.

Eighth seed Miomir Kecmanovic defeated qualifier Aleksander Vukic, while Gregoire Barrere shocked fifth seed Nicolas Jarry.

And in men’s doubles action, Broady and Jonny O’Mara saw their campaign end with a 6-4 6-4 loss to recent French Open champions Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek.

But it was victory for Joe Salisbury and partner Rajeev Ram, who defeated Sam Weissborn and Romain Arneodo 6-1 6-2.

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website