ERSA Pro Stringer 3 - 2019 prostringer 3-2019 web | Page 13

www.ersa-stringers.com INDUSTRY NEWS US Open Qualifying Tourney Extended to Five Days The USTA announced that the 2019 US Open Qualifying Tournament will begin on Monday, Au- gust 19 and run through Friday, August 23. This will mark the fi rst time that the tournament will begin on Monday, as opposed to Tuesday, extending the event to fi ve days, from four days in previous years. The move to a fi ve day event will allow for greater scheduling fl exibility for the US Open Qualifying Tournament, providing a greater window in case of weather issues. The US Open Qualifying Tournament features 128 men and 128 women attempting to win three matches to earn a berth into the main draw, with 16 men and 16 women earning a spot in the 2019 US Open main draw. The fi fth biggest tournament in the United States, the 2018 tournament awarded more than $3 million in prize money. The US Open Qualifying Tournament will be the signature event of US Open Fan Week, which will take place Monday, August 19 through Sunday, August 25. Fan Week will consist of a series of events and activities held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center that are free and open to the public, giving all fans the opportunity to experience the excitement and atmosphere of the US Open. The full slate of US Open Fan Week events will be announced at a later date. The main draw of the 2019 US Open begins on Monday, August 26 and runs through Sunday, September 8.