Australian Open 2025: Leylah Fernandez, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekic surge through on opening night
WTA
The opening night was rain delayed in parts with multiple games not played but a lot of players still did make it through at the Australian Open including Leylah Fernandez, Paula Badosa and Donna Vekic.
Fernandez saw off Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-5, 6-4 to reach the second round. It was a good display from the Canadian who reaches this point of the draw for the third time.
She certainly summed up the rain delay too. “Oh my goodness. It’s been a long, long day. I have no idea how you guys are still here.”
While Donna Vekic paid tribute to those involved in the fires in LA including her coach Pam Shriver as she took down Diane Parry 6-4, 6-4. After the best year of her career thus far, Vekic is aiming to back it up and she has started her quest to do so in Melbounre.
Paula Badosa battled hard to see off Xinyu Wang 6-3, 7-6, while there were also wins for Jessica Bouzas Maneiro who will face off against Aryna Sabalenka next round. Cristina Bucsa made it a trio of Spanish wins seeing off Chloe Paquet.
Tatjana Maria took down Bernarda Pera in a 7-6, 6-4 win for the German as Suzan Lamens also booked her spot. Whilst many names didn't play on Sunday, those who did have certainly wasted little time in getting through after a day of rain.
Fernandez d. Starodubtseva 7-5 6-4
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 12, 2025
Leylah battles through a tough opener.
Hardworking, great mindset, & still so talented with a lot left to give.
Hopefully big results are on the horizon in 2025.
✅3rd Australian Open R2
🇨🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/EBrostbpas
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