MINSK, 24 August (BelTA) - Belarusian tennis player Iryna Shymanovich made a winning start to qualifying for the US Open, the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the season, BelTA has learned.

In the first round of qualifying, Iryna Shymanovich (world No. 191) defeated Switzerland’s Rebeka Masarova (No. 180) in a three-set match 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. The match lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. Belarus’ next opponent will be American Julieta Pareja (No. 284).

Meanwhile, Belarusian Aliona Falei (No. 222) wrapped up her New York campaign after losing to Russia’s Elena Pridankina (186) 1-6, 3-6 in 90 minutes.

Aliaksandra Sasnovich (No. 136) of Belarus will face Hungary’s Dalma Galfi (No. 157) on 25 August. Players must clear three qualifying rounds to reach the main draw of the US Open.

Current US Open champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will begin her campaign in the mixed doubles tournament alongside Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic. In the first round on 25 August, they will face another international duo: Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Frances Tiafoe of the USA.