No Canadian players secured spots in the U.S. Open singles draws via the qualifying tournament as Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl suffered defeats in the final round on Friday in New York.
Andreescu lost to Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia in a tight match, with the former U.S. Open women’s champion struggling on net points despite firing seven aces during the nearly three-hour-long match. The encounter began on Thursday but was interrupted by rain with Andreescu leading 2-0 at that time.
Similarly, Draxl faced a tough challenge against Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate, ultimately losing in a closely contested match that lasted three sets. Both players managed four breaks, but Schoolkate seized the final break to take a crucial lead in the third set, erasing Draxl’s early advantage.
Moving forward, Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ontario, are set to compete in the men’s main draw, while Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Quebec, the 2021 runner-up, will represent Canada in the women’s competition.
In other news, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula commended the U.S. Open’s substantial increase in prize money and the establishment of a Grand Slam player advisory council. These developments come in response to mounting pressure from top players for improved prize money distribution and a more significant say in decisions impacting the sport.
Sabalenka, a vocal advocate for enhanced player compensation, expressed optimism about the positive direction these changes signify in improving relations between players and tournament organizers. The record $108 million US prize purse announced for this year’s U.S. Open aligns with the aspirations of players seeking fairer revenue-sharing models.
Furthermore, Pegula praised the unity between men’s and women’s tours, which has enabled meaningful progress in addressing player concerns and enhancing player welfare provisions. The collaborative efforts have led to the establishment of a player council, increased prize money, and a growing influence for players in shaping the future of tennis.
The ongoing initiatives underscore the persistent efforts of players to secure a more prominent role and voice in a sport long criticized for its fragmented organizational structure.
