All Canadian players have been eliminated from the U.S. Open singles draws following the final qualifying matches where Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl faced defeats in New York.
Andreescu lost to Tamara Zidansek from Slovenia with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. The former U.S. Open women’s champion from Mississauga, Ont., managed to serve seven aces during the match that lasted two hours and 44 minutes, but struggled on net points, only winning 10 out of 21 opportunities.
The match began on Thursday but was halted due to rain with Andreescu leading 2-0 at that time.
Draxl, hailing from Newmarket, Ont., also saw defeat in his qualifying match against Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate after a close battle ending 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7).
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Andreescu, Branstine advance to U.S. Open final qualifying round
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Andreescu bounced from NBO, compatriot Kayla Cross secures 1st WTA win
Both players managed to secure four breaks each, but Schoolkate emerged victorious by breaking Draxl’s serve to take a 4-3 lead in the third set, erasing Draxl’s early advantage.
Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., will represent Canada in the main draw matches starting Sunday, while Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., the 2021 runner-up, will compete on the women’s side.
Sabalenka, Pegula Support Prize Money Increase and New Player Council
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula have praised the U.S. Open’s record prize money distribution and the formation of a Grand Slam player advisory council, indicating a positive response to calls for players to receive a larger share of tournament revenues.
The U.S. Open announced a record-breaking $108 million US prize purse for this year’s event, with all four Grand Slams planning to establish an advisory council following pressure from top players for increased prize money and greater involvement in decision-making processes within the sport.
World No. 1 Sabalenka, a vocal advocate for enhancing player compensation, expressed optimism that these developments could improve relations between players and tournament organizers.
“We’re delighted that we are finally making progress towards our initial goals,” stated the Belarusian during a press briefing on Friday.
“Hopefully, there will be no need for future boycotts of media or tournaments. We