Canadian tennis player Rebecca Marino advanced in the U.S. Open women’s singles qualifying rounds with a decisive 6-1, 6-4 victory over France’s Fiona Fero on Monday. The Vancouver native, aged 35, showcased her skills by serving eight aces and breaking Fero’s serve four times out of six opportunities.
Having successfully navigated the qualifiers last year, Marino is aiming for another main draw entry after her previous first-round defeat to compatriot Leylah Fernandez. Her next challenge will be against Russia’s Elena Pridankina in the upcoming qualifying rounds.
Joining Marino, fellow Canadian Carson Branstine secured her spot in the next round with a solid 6-2, 7-6 (3) win against Clervie Ngounoue from the United States. Branstine is now set to face Czech player Linda Fruhvirtova. However, Kayla Cross from London, Ont., faced a tough loss, falling 6-1, 6-1 to American Robin Montgomery.
Former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu from Mississauga, Ont., was scheduled to compete against Eva Vedder of the Netherlands later in the day.
On the men’s side, Alexis Galarneau from Levis, Que., advanced to the second round of the qualifying tournament after defeating Keegan Smith from the United States with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-3. Galarneau’s next opponent will be Dalibor Svrcina from Czechia.
In mixed doubles qualifying, the second-seeded duo of Gabriela Dabrowski from Ottawa and Harri Heliovaara from Finland faced an unexpected defeat, losing 2-4, 4-1, 10-8 to Kristina Mladenovic of France and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador. Dabrowski is also anticipated to participate in the women’s doubles event at the U.S. Open, aiming to replicate her previous success after winning the title last year alongside former partner Erin Routliffe.
