No Canadian players have secured spots in the U.S. Open singles draws after both Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl were defeated in the final qualifying matches on Friday in New York. Andreescu, the 2019 U.S. Open women’s champion from Mississauga, Ont., lost 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek despite firing seven aces during the match. The game, which began on Thursday, had to be halted due to rain with Andreescu leading 2-0 at the time.
In a separate match, Draxl from Newmarket, Ont., faced off against Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate in a qualifying showdown that was rescheduled to Friday. Draxl was eventually defeated 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7) after a hard-fought battle where both players managed four breaks each. Schoolkate took the lead in the third set by winning a crucial serve game to go up 4-3, erasing Draxl’s early advantage.
Looking ahead, Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., will represent Canada in the men’s main draw starting on Sunday. On the women’s side, Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open runner-up from Laval, Que., will also be in action.
Meanwhile, top tennis players Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula have praised the U.S. Open for its record prize money distribution and the establishment of a Grand Slam player advisory council. The tournament announced a record $108 million US prize purse, with the creation of the council following demands from players for increased prize money and a bigger say in the sport’s decisions.
Sabalenka, the current world No. 1, expressed satisfaction with these developments, indicating that they could help improve the relationship between players and tournament organizers. She emphasized the importance of reaching a point where players feel valued and respected in the sport.
Pegula, who has played a key role in player discussions with tennis governing bodies, highlighted the unity between male and female players as instrumental in achieving progress. She commended the collaborative efforts that led to tangible outcomes such as the player welfare contributions and enhanced prize money, reflecting the players’ collective push for a stronger voice within the sport.
