Belarusian tennis players begin US Open qualifiers

MINSK, 18 August (BelTA) – The US Open, the season's final Grand Slam tournament, begins its qualifying rounds in New York on 18 August, BelTA reports.

Belarus's world No.240 Kristina Dmitruk will open her campaign against Slovenia's Kaja Juvan (No.166), with compatriot Iryna Shymanovich (No.176) set to meet Austria's Sinja Kraus (No.131). To secure a spot in the main draw, the players must win three qualifying matches.

The main tournament of the US Open will be held from 24 August to 7 September. This year’s event in New York boasts a record-breaking prize pool of $90 million, with the men’s and women’s singles champions each earning $5 million. Last year, Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka claimed the women’s title after defeating U.S. Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in the final. Italy’s Jannik Sinner triumphed in the men’s final against U.S. Taylor Fritz, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.