The pollen-filled conditions were no issue for Leylah Annie Fernandez on Thursday, cruising past Julia Grabher in the Mutua Madrid Open second round.
The 23-year-old from Laval had a near-perfect outing, barring some minor drops in her game that gave Grabher two break opportunities, with the world No. 107 converting on one. Fernandez was the aggressor for most of the 75-minute match though, finishing top of the winners count as she took the contest 6-2, 6-3.
An assertive start from Fernandez led to a comfortable opening hold followed by an early-break opportunity in the second game. The Canadian pounced on Grabher’s second delivery to gain the match’s first break point, but the Austrian held her nerve to keep the match level.
Another break point came Fernandez’s way shortly after at 1-2, 30-40, and the world No. 25 jumped on Grabher’s second serve again, forcing the loss of serve. The 23-year-old added to her early barrage, backing up the break to lead 4-1.
A slight bump in Fernandez’s game had her facing some pressure at 4-2, 30-40, but the Canuck was quickly back to her best, winning six of the next seven points to hold set point at 2-5, 15-40. Fernandez converted on the second attempt to cap off the impressive opening-set performance.
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Fernandez didn’t have to play catch up for long in the second after losing serve in the opening game. The Lavalloise responded with back-to-back breaks, firing yet another forceful return at 1-2, 15-40, and finishing off the point with a deft drop shot to seal her advantage.
Fernandez followed with a hold and, like the first set, didn’t let her 4-1 edge slip. The Canadian No. 2 held the rest of the way, without facing a break point on this occasion, and booked her place into the third round in Madrid for the second time in three years.
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The Canuck sets up a first-career meeting with American teen Iva Jovic in the round of 32 on Saturday.
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
