MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) - Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus has advanced to the second round of qualifying for the US Open, the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the season, BelTA has learned.

In her opening match, Aliaksandra Sasnovich, ranked world number 136, defeated Hungary’s world number 157 Dalma Galfi in straight sets, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3. Her next opponent will be world number 165 Vendula Valdmannova of the Czech Republic. Earlier, Belarus’ world number 191 Iryna Shymanovich won a three-set match against Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova (World No.180), 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, and will face world number 284 Julieta Pareja of the USA in the second round. Belarus’ Aliona Falei (World No.222) ended her campaign in New York, losing to Russia’s Elena Pridankina (World No.186), 1-6, 3-6. To reach the main draw, the players must clear three qualifying rounds.

The main draw of the US Open will take place in New York from 30 August to 13 September. The total prize pool is a record $108 million, with the men’s and women’s singles champions each receiving $5.5 million. Last year’s women’s singles winner was Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka, while Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s title.