Canada’s Leylah Fernandez notches opening round win at Australian Open

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez showed her resilience and skill as she battled through a rain delay to defeat Yuliia Starodubtseva in her first-round women’s singles match at the Australian Open. The 30th-seeded Fernandez, hailing from Montreal, faced a tough opponent but managed to come out on top with a score of 7-5, 6-4. Despite facing challenges like a low number of aces and committing more double faults than her opponent, Fernandez capitalized on her break opportunities and secured the win.

Fernandez’s victory sets her up for a second-round matchup against Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, where she will look to continue her winning streak. The young Canadian, who was the runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Open, has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with on the court.

In other action at the Australian Open, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made a strong start to her campaign with a commanding win over Sloane Stephens. The Belarusian top seed showcased her power and precision as she breezed through the match, setting her sights on a third consecutive title at the tournament.

Sabalenka’s performance was matched by other top players, including fifth-seeded Qinwen Zheng of China, who overcame a tough first set to secure a win, and 11th-seeded Paula Badosa of Spain, who cruised to victory in straight sets. The competition at the Australian Open is fierce, with players from around the world vying for glory on the grand stage.

In the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev displayed his title aspirations with a solid win over Lucas Pouille. The German star, ranked world No. 2, showed his class as he advanced to the next round, setting his sights on a maiden major championship. With a history of reaching finals in major tournaments, Zverev will be looking to go all the way this time around.

The opening day of play at the Australian Open also saw thrilling five-set matches, highlighting the competitive nature of the tournament. Players like Casper Ruud, Kei Nishikori, and Adam Walton battled through tough contests to secure their spots in the next round, showcasing the grit and determination required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.

As the action continues at Melbourne Park, fans can expect more excitement and drama on the courts as the world’s best tennis players compete for glory and the coveted championship titles. Stay tuned for more thrilling matches and memorable moments at the Australian Open.