Leylah Fernandez overcomes sluggish start to defeat Alize Cornet in Melbourne opener

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez looked shaky in her opening round match against Alize Cornet, but was able to outlast the French veteran and secure her spot in the second round of the Australian Open.

Fernandez pulled off a 7-5 6-2 victory on Tuesday, relying on her speed and precision to outmaneuver her opponent. The 2021 US Open finalist hit 25 winners to just 14 by Cornet, although her consistency wavered early in the match.

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Both ladies exchanged breaks in the opening set, with Cornet serving at 5-6 to force a tiebreak. However, the former World No.11 committed two crucial double faults, along with some errant backhands that saw Fernandez claim the first set.

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With momentum on her side, the Canadian finally obtained a break to lead 4-2 in the second. This proved to be Cornet's undoing, as the 32-year old was unable to recover, surrendering a second break and giving the match to her younger opponent after an hour and 42 minutes.