No Canadian players secured spots in the U.S. Open singles draws via the qualifying tournament as Bianca Andreescu and Liam Draxl were defeated in the final round in New York on Friday. Andreescu lost to Tamara Zidansek from Slovenia in a tight match, with Zidansek claiming victory with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Despite firing seven aces during the match, Andreescu struggled on net points, winning only 10 out of 21. The match began on Thursday but was halted due to rain, with Andreescu leading 2-0 at the interruption.
Draxl’s qualifying match against Tristan Schoolkate from Australia was also postponed to Friday, where Draxl faced a 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7) defeat. Both players managed to secure four breaks, but Schoolkate’s late win against serve in the third set turned the tide in his favor, erasing Draxl’s early advantage.
Looking ahead to the main draw action starting on Sunday, Montreal’s Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., will compete on the men’s side, while Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., the 2021 runner-up, will represent Canada on the women’s side.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula expressed appreciation for the U.S. Open’s record prize money distribution and the establishment of a Grand Slam player advisory council. This move comes in response to calls from top players for a larger share of revenue and a more significant role in decision-making within the sport. Sabalenka, a vocal advocate for improved player compensation, believes these developments could enhance relations between players and tournament organizers.
Sabalenka and men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner were part of a group that limited their pre-tournament media interactions earlier this year to 15 minutes in protest, demanding a higher percentage of tournament revenue for prize money. Pegula, who has been instrumental in player discussions with tennis governing bodies, highlighted the progress achieved through unity between the men’s and women’s tours. The players’ efforts have led to the formation of a player council, increased player welfare contributions, and a rise in prize money, demonstrating the collective push for a stronger player voice in a sport often criticized for its fragmented structure.