No Canadian players secured spots in the singles draws at the U.S. Open following Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl’s defeats in the final qualifying rounds on Friday in New York. Andreescu lost to Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek in a hard-fought match, where the former U.S. Open women’s champion struggled on net points despite showcasing a strong serving performance. The match, which began on Thursday, was interrupted by rain with Andreescu holding a 2-0 lead.
Similarly, Draxl faced a tough challenge against Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate, ultimately losing in a closely contested match that extended to a third-set tiebreaker. Despite both players managing to secure breaks, Schoolkate’s crucial break at 4-3 in the final set turned the tide against Draxl.
Looking ahead, Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ontario, will represent Canada in the men’s singles draw, while Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Quebec, the 2021 runner-up, will compete in the women’s singles event.
In other news, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula commended the U.S. Open’s substantial increase in prize money allocation and the formation of a Grand Slam player advisory council. This move comes in response to mounting pressure from top players advocating for a fairer distribution of tournament revenue. Sabalenka expressed optimism about the positive impact these developments could have on the relationship between players and tournament organizers, emphasizing the importance of achieving a harmonious balance in the sport’s ecosystem.
Furthermore, Pegula highlighted the collaborative efforts between male and female players in driving meaningful changes within the tennis community. She applauded the establishment of the player council, alongside enhanced player welfare initiatives and further boosts in prize money, as significant milestones in addressing long-standing concerns within the sport’s governance structure. This unified front reflects the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive and player-centric approach to decision-making processes in tennis.