Fernandez coasts through Bad Homburg opener after initial Parks withdrawal

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez had to face an unexpected foe after initial opponent Alycia Parks withdrew from the 2023 Bad Homburg Open, but was not troubled as she cruised to an easy victory.

The 2021 US Open runner-up recorded a 6-0 6-1 victory over Germany's Lena Papadakis in first-round play Monday at the grass-court event, requiring only 54 minutes to advance to the next round.

The 20-year old looked impressive as she hit six aces, while winning over 90% of points on her first serve. Currently ranked at World No.21, Fernandez will next take on the 39th ranked Anna Blinkova of Russia in the Round of 16.