Canadians Brace, Zhao advance to 2nd round of women’s qualifying at U.S. Open

Canadian Tennis Players Advance in U.S. Open Qualifying

Canadian tennis player Cadence Brace took a significant step towards her first Grand Slam main draw berth with a hard-fought victory over Japan’s Nao Hibino in U.S. Open qualifying in New York. The 20-year-old from Toronto showcased her determination and skill, overcoming a first-set deficit to win 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Brace capitalized on her break-point opportunities, converting six out of seven chances to secure the win.

Joining Brace in the second round of women’s qualifying is veteran Carol Zhao, who delivered an impressive performance against 15th seed Maria Lourdes Carle of Argentina. Zhao, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ont., triumphed in a tight match, prevailing 7-6 (8), 6-2. The 30-year-old Zhao, who previously qualified for Wimbledon in 2023, is determined to earn another Grand Slam berth.

Brace is set to face 32nd-seed Veronika Erjavec of Slovenia in her next match, with a chance to advance further in the qualifying tournament. Meanwhile, Zhao will await the winner of the match between Italy’s Lucrezia Stefanini and Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia in her upcoming round.

In other results, Belgium’s Hanne Vandewinkel defeated Marina Stakusic of Mississauga, Ont., while France’s Kyrian Jacquet caused an upset by beating seventh seed Liam Draxl of Newmarket, Ont. Stakusic was seeking her second Grand Slam main draw appearance, while Draxl aimed to make his debut in a major tournament.

The Canadian contingent continues to make its mark in U.S. Open qualifying, with Brace and Zhao leading the charge towards securing coveted spots in the main draw.