Leylah Annie Fernandez’s time in Roland-Garros singles came to an end on Monday as the Canadian No. 2 was shocked by world No. 79 Alycia Parks, losing 6-4, 6-4.
Parks was the aggressor throughout most of the 93-minute match, finishing with 26 winners compared to Fernandez’s ten. The American pounced on a handful of the Canadian’s serves as she converted on four of nine break points, also leading to Fernandez committing seven double faults on the evening
Fernandez had a bright start to the match, conceding just one of the first eight balls to apply some significant early pressure at 0-1, love-40. From that point though, Parks found her stride on serve. The American won eight-straight service points, firing six unreturned serves, as she saved three break points and kept the opening set balanced at 2-2.
Fernandez’s delivery then hit a bit of a bump over her next two service games. The Lavalloise committed three double faults over that span, including one which led to a loss of serve at 2-2, 15-40. Fernandez fought off break point in the seventh game to remain within reach, down 3-4.
The Canadian did break to even the set at four apiece but was immediately broken back as Parks had the chance to serve for the opener. The world No. 79 erased some unforced-error trouble and sealed the set from 5-4, love-40.
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Parks carried that momentum into the second, securing a second-consecutive break right out of the gates and coupling with a love hold to take an early 2-0 edge. The American continued to pile on the pressure at 1-3, capitalizing on her third break point of the nine-minute game to extend her lead.
Fernandez stayed alive with Parks serving for the match in the eighth game and had to do so again at 5-4. The Canuck brought the game to 30-all but couldn’t chase down a deft drop volley as she faced match point. Parks capped off the match with her sixth ace to take down the 24th seed.
Focus now shifts solely to doubles for Fernandez as the Lavalloise partners with Diana Shnaider to take on countrywoman Victoria Mboko and Filipino Alexandra Eala in round one.
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Mboko, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Denis Shapovalov all open their Roland-Garros singles campaigns on Tuesday.
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
