MINSK, 11 January (BelTA) – Vladimir Ignatik of Belarus (ranked 191st in the world) got off to a good start in the Men's Qualifying Singles of the Australian Open in Melbourne defeating World No.133 Vasek Pospisil of Canada 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The Belarusian will next face Japan's Hiroki Moriya (World No.173), who saw off Australia's Harry Bourchier, ranked 869th, 6-2, 6-3.
In the Women's Qualifying Singles, Vera Lapko, the winner of the Junior Australian Open 2016 (World No.327) will face Bulgaria's World No.139 Elica Kostova. Alexandra Sasnovich (116) will take on Riko Sawayanagi of Japan (205), Arina Sobolenko (146) will play Turkey's Ipek Soylu (159), Olga Govortsova (173) will open the tournament against Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu (671).
Players have to come through three qualifying rounds in order to make part of 128 participants of the Australian Open main draw.
Gearing up for the 2017 Australian Open, Belarus' Max Mirnyi, paired with Treat Huey of the Philippines, lost to Andre Sa of Brazil and Leander Paes of India 6-7, 3-6 in the men's doubles opener at 2017 ASB Classic, Auckland, New Zealand.
The Australian Open in Melbourne will be held on 16-29 January.
