US Open: Lily Miyazaki reveals 'huge' financial boost from first win at Grand Slam ahead of Belinda Bencic match

Updated 29/08/2023 at 13:22 GMT

Lily Miyazaki secured the first Grand Slam singles win of her career as she beat Margarita Betova 6-3 6-3 in the first round. The 27-year-old spoke afterwards about why the "financial side is huge" for her as she is currently set to earn around £98,000. Miyazaki is set to plat 15th seed Belinda Bencic in the next round and has revealed they face each other as juniors.

Yuriko Miyazaki of Great Britain

Image credit: Getty Images

Great Britain’s Lily Miyazaki has revealed how her US Open prize money could prove a "huge" boost and allow her to travel with her own coach.

The 27-year-old qualifier beat Margarita Betova 6-3 6-3 in the first round to secure her first Grand Slam singles win.

She had never previously qualified for the main draw of a major and her current prize money of around £98,000 represents around a quarter of her total career earnings.

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“The financial side is huge, because obviously tennis is a very expensive sport,” said Miyazaki.

“We travel around a lot. Maybe now I can travel a bit more with a coach, things like that. Because when I'm playing at the [second-tier] ITF level I tend to travel on my own.”

Miyazaki, who was born in Japan but started representing Great Britain last year, shares coach Craig Veal with fellow British player Jodie Burrage.

Asked about supporting herself on the tour, Miyazaki said: “Financially I'd say it's difficult. Luckily I have had a couple of private sponsors as well. That's helped.

“I think because I have been travelling on my own a lot, I have managed to do it just prize money alone up to this point.

“But yeah, it's very difficult on the ITF tour.”

Miyazaki dropped just one set in qualifying before producing a strong display to beat Betova and set up a clash with 15th seed Belinda Bencic.

"Coming into the tournament I didn't expect to be at this stage. I'm so happy and proud of myself," said Miyazaki.

"For sure it definitely helps financially and obviously points-wise with my ranking.

“It's huge for me. Qualifying was also obviously a huge confidence booster, but yeah, winning at the main draw is, it just feels a bit surreal. I'm really happy with it.”

Miyazaki will play her second-round match against Bencic on Wednesday.

It will be the first meeting on tour between the two players, but Miyazaki revealed they played each other when they were youngsters in Switzerland.

“I'm really looking forward to it. She's a great player obviously. Actually funny, when I lived in Switzerland, I played her when I was about nine years old and she must have been about seven or eight.

“I remember even back then she was taking the ball so early. Yeah, half volleying, drive volleying, everything. I expect a really tough match.”

Miyazaki is one of three British women in the main draw.

Katie Boulter and Jodie Burrage play their opening matches on Tuesday.

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