Kiwi junior out in US Open first round

New Zealand tennis player Ben McLachlan has bowed out in the first round of the US Open junior tournament, beaten in straight sets by Croatian Mate Pavic.

McLachlan, who has just started a scholarship at the University of California at Berkley, lost 1-6 6-7 (4) in just over an hour.

Despite losing, the world's 63rd-ranked junior said playing in the four Grand Slams this year had been a good experience.

"I've gained a lot from playing in them. The US Open is the biggest, it's just so massive.

"Unfortunately I didn't play that well today and made a lot of unforced errors. Neither of us played well.

"I wish I could play the game again now."

McLachlan will play doubles with Ireland's Sam Barry against the fifth seeds, Juan Sebastian Gomez, of Colombia, and Yasutaka Uchiyama, of Japan, tomorrow.

- NZPA