Sabine Lisicki exits US Open

World number 19 Sabine Lisicki was knocked out of the US Open by Sorana Cirstea in the first round this evening.

The match started brightly for the 22-year-old German, who claimed a late break of Cirstea's serve to take the opening set 6-4.

However, Romania's Cirstea, currently ranked 38th in the world, responded positively to going behind.

Having broke Lisicki's serve early in the second set, she forced a decider with another break which resulted in a 6-2 success.

Heavy rain showers then forced a two-hour delay, but when the duo returned to the court Cirstea soon built up a 3-0 lead.

She continued to dominate the encounter thereafter and eventually ran out a 6-2 winner in the decider.

Cirstea will now face either Anna Tatishvili for a slot in round three.