Canada’s Leylah Fernandez launched her Madrid Open journey on Thursday with a commanding straight-sets victory over Julia Grabher.
The talented 23-year-old from Laval, Quebec, who is seeded 24th, triumphed over her Austrian rival with a score of 6-2, 6-3, marking her third consecutive win against the world No. 107.
After receiving a first-round bye, Fernandez advances to the third round, where she’ll take on American Iva Jovic, the 15th seed, who defeated Poland’s Magda Linette 6-4, 6-1.
In the match, Fernandez did not achieve an ace and recorded five double faults, in contrast to Grabher’s three aces and one double fault. However, the Canadian capitalized on her opportunities, converting four of six break-point chances while limiting Grabher to just one break on two attempts.
In other news, Victoria Mboko from Burlington, Ontario, seeded 10th, is set to kick off her tournament on Friday against American Catherine McNally. Additionally, Mboko will be teaming up with Jovic for doubles competition.
On the men’s side, No. 3 seed Félix Auger-Aliassime from Montreal is scheduled to face Vilius Gaubas, while fellow Montrealer Gabriel Diallo, seeded 32, will compete against Elmer Moller. No. 31 Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ontario, awaits the winner of the matchup between Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and Reilly Opelka.
