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.
