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Peter Polansky achieves improbable 'Lucky Loser Slam' at US Open

ByKamakshi Tandon

Published Aug 29, 2018

WATCH—Court Report from Day 2 at the US Open:

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Peter Polansky completed a unique feat with his first-round appearance at the US Open.

The 30-year-old Canadian fell in the final round of qualifying of all the majors this season, but got in each time because of withdrawals.

"I don’t take it super seriously," he said. "It's been a pretty fun experience because it’s about the most random achievement possible."

While Polansky said he got some critical comments on social media about his defeats, the other players greeted his unusual “Slam” with appropriate humor.

"Some guys were rubbing me for luck," he said. "When I won my second round [of qualifying], a couple of them said to me, 'You are in.'"

Peter Polansky achieves improbable 'Lucky Loser Slam' at US Open

Polansky fell to Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the first round of the tournament, and acknowledged that the German's level is higher than he is used to playing.

The No. 119 is now aiming for another goal—getting straight into the Australian Open, so he doesn't have to play qualifying. Entry into a Grand Slam usually requires a ranking of just below the Top 100.

"I think I've set myself up in a good position," said Polansky.

Withdrawals from Grand Slams have been more frequent this season because of new rules offering players half the first-round prize money for not playing if they are injured, accompanied by fines if they do not perform up to regular standards.

There have been three withdrawals in the first round of the men's draw at the US Open.

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Peter Polansky achieves improbable 'Lucky Loser Slam' at US Open

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