Leylah Annie Fernandez’s 50th Grand Slam match didn’t go as planned as the Canadian No. 2 was defeated by world No. 59 Janice Tjen 6-2, 7-6(1) in the Australian Open first round on Monday.
Despite both players’ unforced errors and winners tally being separated by one, their service game made the difference in the match. Fernandez won just 56 per cent of her first-serve points while Tjen won 74. The Lavalloise also faced seven break points, saving just three, while the Indonesian saved six of eight.
The crowd was virtually a 50/50 split at ANZ Arena, but the Indonesian faithful were the louder of the two sets of fans very early on as Tjen was on the verge of a break at 15-40 in the opening game. However, Fernandez stayed poised and served well for the hold, much to the delight of the Canadian contingent in attendance.
Tjen remained aggressive though, securing back-to-back breaks at 2-2 to get the opportunity to serve out the set.
In the eighth game, Fernandez applied her first bit of pressure in her hopes of extending the opener. At 5-2, 30-15, the Canadian took Tjen’s second serve early for a strong return winner, that then might’ve led to a double fault on the next point. However, with her first break point of the match, Fernandez was unable to capitalize as Tjen took the set, winning all her first-serve points.
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The unforced errors began to pile up for the Canadian No. 2 in the second, committing seven over the first three games as she was broken in the third game. The world No. 23 nearly had the perfect response, holding four break points in the ensuing game, but again Tjen battled through the pressure to take a 3-1 advantage.
Fernandez continued her push to get back into the match and that chance came at 3-2. The 23-year-old broke on her second break point of the game thanks to one of her 16 winners on the day. After a gritty hold, the Canuck managed to go in front 4-3.
At 4-4, Fernandez nearly let that push go to waste after another loss of serve, but the Lavalloise won eight of the next nine points, staying alive with a break back then holding to lead 6-5.
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Tjen forced a tiebreak, where a mini-break gave her an early 3-0 cushion. Fernandez got on the board, but the Indonesia won four-consecutive points, clinching her spot in the second-round in her Australian Open main-draw debut.
Fernandez’s time in Melbourne continues in doubles as the Canadian partners with Timea Babos of Hungary to take on American Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Spaniard Cristina Busca on Tuesday night.
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Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
