### Nelly Korda's Disappointing US Open Journey: A Major Week of High Hopes and Challenges The 2025 U.S. Women's Open at Erin Hills showcased a thrilling competition among elite golfers, with World No. 1 Nelly Korda aiming for her first title in this prestigious event. Despite her strong performance in the early rounds, Korda ultimately faced disappointment as she struggled to maintain her momentum throughout the tournament. The event was marked by the emergence of rising star Mao Saigo, who took the lead with an impressive second-round score, leaving Korda trailing behind. ### Breakdown of the US Open Event and Korda's Performance 1. **Tournament Overview** - The U.S. Women's Open featured top golfers, including Nelly Korda and Mao Saigo, with Saigo leading after a remarkable second-round score of 66, putting her at 8-under par [https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/31/us-womens-open-second-round-mao-saigo-nelly-korda]. - Korda, who had high expectations, managed to climb into contention with a second-round score of 67 but ultimately finished the tournament without securing the title [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12040/13377231/us-womens-open-top-ranked-nelly-korda-climbs-into-contention-in-pursuit-of-maiden-title-at-erin-hills]. 2. **Korda's Journey** - Korda started the tournament strong, tied for the lead after the first round with a score of 68, showcasing her potential to win [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13376734/us-womens-open-golf-2025-six-players-tied-for-lead-after-first-round-as-nelly-korda-charley-hull-chase]. - However, her performance fluctuated in the subsequent rounds, leading to a disappointing finish, which she openly discussed in her post-tournament reflections [https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-nelly-korda-gets-honest-us-open-run-disappointing-major-week]. 3. **Emerging Competitors** - Mao Saigo's performance was a highlight of the tournament, as she not only led the second round but also aimed for her second major title of the year, having already won the Chevron Championship [https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/golf/2025/05/30/mao-saigo-takes-us-womens-open-lead-as-she-chases-her-2nd-major-title-of-the-year]. - The competition was fierce, with several players, including Korda, vying for the top spots, but Saigo's consistent play set her apart [https://www.espn.co.uk/golf/story/_/id/45399003/mao-saigo-takes-us-women-open-lead-nelly-korda-3-back]. ### Key Statistics and Performance Metrics - **Top Scores:** - Mao Saigo: 66 (Second Round), Total: 8-under 136 [https://www.espn.co.uk/golf/story/_/id/45399003/mao-saigo-takes-us-women-open-lead-nelly-korda-3-back]. - Nelly Korda: 67 (Second Round), Total: 5-under [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12040/13377231/us-womens-open-top-ranked-nelly-korda-climbs-into-contention-in-pursuit-of-maiden-title-at-erin-hills]. - **First Round Highlights:** - Six players tied for the lead at 4-under 68, showcasing a competitive start to the tournament [https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/13376734/us-womens-open-golf-2025-six-players-tied-for-lead-after-first-round-as-nelly-korda-charley-hull-chase]. ### Conclusion: A Major Week of Lessons and Future Aspirations In summary, the 2025 U.S. Women's Open was a significant event for Nelly Korda, who faced both challenges and opportunities. Despite her initial strong performance, she could not secure the title, leading to a candid reflection on her experience [https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-nelly-korda-gets-honest-us-open-run-disappointing-major-week]. 1. **Korda's Performance:** - Strong start but disappointing finish. - Open acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the tournament. 2. **Emergence of New Talent:** - Mao Saigo's impressive play highlights the competitive nature of women's golf. - Saigo's pursuit of a second major title adds excitement to the sport. 3. **Future Outlook:** - Korda's journey continues as she aims to overcome past disappointments and secure her first U.S. Women's Open title in future tournaments. The event not only showcased the talent of established players like Korda but also the rising stars in women's golf, setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport.