British tennis player Harriet Dart advanced to the second round of the US Open on Tuesday, securing a comeback victory over American Peyton Stearns. Dart, 30, overcame a first-set deficit to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 at Flushing Meadows. She will face the tournament’s 25th seed, Czech player Marie Bouzkova, in the next round.

This marks Dart’s first time progressing beyond the opening round at the US Open, a milestone she aims to build upon. Since late January, Dart has been working with Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon women’s singles champion, who has taken on a coaching role. The two train regularly near their shared Florida base when schedules permit, with Bartoli providing guidance on all aspects of Dart’s game, including the grass-court season earlier this year.

Dart credited Bartoli’s experience in Grand Slam competition as a key factor in her development. “I am benefiting from all the work. She is a great coach and an even better human,” Dart said. “She is very funny. I am trying to soak up everything I can from such a champion.” Dart also noted the advantage of communicating in English, as her French remains limited.

The qualifier acknowledged the significance of her victory against Stearns, describing it as a confidence boost after successfully navigating the qualifying rounds. “To beat a player as high-calibre as Peyton feels really rewarding,” she said. Dart also emphasized the value of gaining experience on the courts with greater exposure at this stage of the tournament after a prolonged absence from this competitive level.

Dart’s next match against Bouzkova will present another test as she strives to make further inroads at a major event where she has yet to make a deep run.