MATCH REPORT | 2024 United Cup: Leylah FERNANDEZ, without shining, overcomes Daniela SEGUEL and gives the first point to Canada

Leylah Fernandez smoothly sailed through her debut in the United Cup, defeating Chilean Daniela Seguel with a score of 6-2, 6-3, and securing the first point of the series for Canada. Despite not showcasing her best form, the 2021 US Open champion bounced back from a break down in the second set.

The Canadians take a 1-0 lead over Chile, and now it will be the men's turn, where they lament the recent withdrawal of Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 29), who will be replaced by Steven Diez (No. 314) to challenge the world No. 19 Nicolas Jarry.

Fernandez concluded 2023 with a notable rise in the rankings, reaching world No. 35, and led Canada to become champions of the Billie Jean King Cup for the first time in history. The 21-year-old began the year against Daniela Seguel (No. 669), an unfamiliar opponent at 31 years old, with her highest ranking being No. 162 in 2018

In the first set, Fernandez quickly took the lead with a break in the second game, although the Chilean immediately recovered. The former world No. 13 did not have to showcase her best form to start dominating the match, exploiting her opponent's weaknesses in the service to win 65% of the return points. She had little trouble maintaining the lead and secured the set 6-2, securing the break in three out of four return games.

Daniela Seguel entered the second set with the intention of challenging Fernandez despite the ranking difference and achieved an early break to take a 2-0 lead, marking her best moment in the match. The Canadian was erratic with several unforced errors, and although she recovered with three consecutive games, the Chilean managed to level the score with her serve at 3-3.

With the match evenly poised, errors crept into Seguel's game as she couldn't keep up with Leylah in the rallies, committing several unforced errors. Eventually, the Canadian took the last three games of the match consecutively and closed it out with a score of 6-2, 6-3, although still not reaching her peak form.

The second clash of the day will once again feature two players with a significant ranking difference. The Chilean world No. 19 Nicolas Jarry will seek to equalize when facing the world No. 314 Steven Diez and aim for a decisive outcome in the mixed doubles match.