No Canadian players advanced to the main singles draws at the U.S. Open after Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl were defeated in the final qualifying matches on Friday in New York. Andreescu was beaten 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 by Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek despite firing seven aces during the match. The encounter began on Thursday but was interrupted due to rain, with Andreescu leading 2-0 at the time.
Draxl also faced a tough challenge in his qualifying match against Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate, losing 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7) on Friday. Both players managed four breaks, but Schoolkate took the lead in the third set, securing a critical break to go up 4-3 and overturn Draxl’s early advantage.
Looking ahead, Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ontario, will represent Canada in the men’s main draw, while Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Quebec, the 2021 runner-up, will compete on the women’s side.
In other news, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula commended the U.S. Open’s record prize money distribution and the establishment of a Grand Slam player advisory council. The tournament announced a historic $108 million USD prize purse, responding to calls from top players for higher compensation and greater involvement in sport-related decisions. Sabalenka, a vocal advocate for improved player pay, expressed optimism that these developments would enhance the relationship between players and event organizers.
The recent moves were welcomed by players like Sabalenka and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who had previously limited their media interactions at other tournaments to demand a larger share of revenues as prize money. Pegula, who has played a pivotal role in player discussions with tennis authorities, praised the unity between male and female players that led to tangible progress, including increased prize money and improved player welfare arrangements.
The efforts reflect the ongoing push from players to have a stronger say in a sport that has been criticized for its fragmented structure.
