MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Leylah FERNANDEZ goes the extra mile to conquer Sara BEJLEK in debut match

Leylah Fernandez (No. 36) showcased her best tennis to overcome the young Sara Bejlek (No. 134) with a scoreline of 7-6, 6-2. The Czech tennis player demonstrated her rising star status at just 17 years old, putting up a strong challenge against Fernandez, who had to display her top form to advance to the second round. Bejlek concluded 2023 with an ITF title in Italy and then triumphed at the WTA 125 Colina Open, earning her a spot in the Australian Open qualifiers as the 22nd seed, where she successfully progressed without dropping a set.

Fernandez had some notable results towards the end of 2023, reaching the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 Guadalajara Open, the semifinals at the Nanchang Open, and clinching the title at the Hong Kong Open. Her standout performance in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals brought Canada its first title, and she played a crucial role once again in the United Cup.

The first set began successfully for the Canadian, quickly securing a break to take a 2-0 lead against an erratic Bejlek. The Czech player had a shaky start, but after successfully defending her service for the first time, she overcame the nerves of her first Grand Slam match in a stadium. As Bejlek gained confidence, her backhand became a significant challenge for Fernandez, securing a break in the sixth game to level the score.

The duel reached a tie-break without further breaks from either side, witnessing the most error-prone moments from both players. Bejlek claimed four mini-breaks, while Fernandez secured five, ultimately winning the first set 7-6(5).

In the second set, Bejlek maintained her level and attempted to dominate with the power of her backhand and forehand. Both players secured a break at the beginning in an evenly contested duel, though the Canadian posed greater challenges in her return game. Fernandez's efforts paid off in the sixth game as she secured another break to take a 4-2 lead.

Fernandez demonstrated greater composure in crucial points and ultimately secured the match 7-6(5), 6-2. Bejlek, however, left a positive impression by forcing her opponent to bring out her best tennis. A tough test passed for Fernandez, who will face the winner of the match between Alycia Parks (No. 82) and Daria Snigur (No. 136) from the qualifiers in the second round.