Diane Parry
(No. 61) stunned 29th seed
Leylah Fernandez, winning 7-5, 5-7, 6-2 to advance
to the third round of
Indian Wells in her first-ever appearance in a WTA 1000
main draw. The French player, known for her one-handed backhand, posed
challenges for the former US Open finalist, especially when she opted for the
slice.
Although
Parry has primarily achieved notable results on clay, she demonstrated
adaptability to the hardcourt surface. At 21 years old, she aims to maintain
the consistency that has eluded her thus far. Parry had previously showcased
her talent at the French Open, reaching the third round twice and securing a
victory against the defending world No. 2 Barbora Krejcikova in 2022.
In the
first set, Parry secured an early break and, despite losing her serve in the
fourth game, quickly recovered to maintain the lead throughout the set. The
French player was up 5-3 and had a set point with her opponent serving, but
couldn't convert it. Fernandez secured a crucial break in the 10th game to
level at 5-5, but Parry regained composure, winning the next two games
consecutively to take the set 7-5.
The second
set was closely contested with break points on both sides, but neither player
could convert in the first seven games. Similar to the first set, Fernandez and
Parry each secured consecutive breaks to level at 5-5. This time, Leylah
performed better under pressure and won the set 7-5.
Fernandez
claimed two consecutive games at the start of the third set, but she couldn't
maintain the lead and began to struggle with her serve. The Canadian won only
two of the next 14 points on her serve, losing six consecutive games as Parry
secured the victory 7-5, 5-7, 6-2.
In the
fourth round, Parry will face the winner of the match between Russian Anna
Blinkova (No. 45) and fifth seed
Jessica Pegula.