Leylah Annie Fernandez couldn’t take down American No. 2 Jessica Pegula as the Canadian No. 2 lost 6-2, 6-2 in the Miami Open presented by Itaú third round on Sunday.
The 23-year-old from Laval was on the back foot in most of her service games. On delivery, only two of her seven games didn’t feature a break point as she was broken four times on eight opportunities. Pegula saved both of the break points she faced late in the match and finished the day with 78 per cent of her first-serve points won.
Pegula jumped on the Canadian’s delivery from the start. The American was aggressive on return in the opening game and held two break points, later converting on a third to go up an early break.
At 1-3, Fernandez was soon under pressure again as Pegula went on the attack on the Canuck’s second serve to grasp double break point. On the first attempt, the world No. 5 put away the drop volley to gain a 4-1 lead.
Pegula strolled on serve throughout the opener, winning 87 per cent of her first-serve points and cruising to the one-set advantage in just over half an hour.
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Fernandez found a bit of rhythm on her delivery in the second. The Lavalloise kicked things off with a love hold then saved break point in the third game, bringing the set to 2-1.
However, in her next service game, Fernandez had to work her way out of 2-2, 15-40. The Canadian did well at the net to save one, but Pegula converted with one of her 22 winners on the second to go a break to the good.
Fernandez had her best chance to break back in the ensuing game. The 23-year-old held her first two break points and forced deuce on Pegula’s delivery for the first time in the match, but the American saved both with an ace and served well for the hold, extending her lead to 4-2.
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A second consecutive break by Pegula gave her the opportunity to serve for the match at 5-2, where the Buffalo-native completed her strong performance at Hard Rock Stadium.
Fernandez’s time in Miami is still on as the Canadian reunites with former world No. 1 Venus Williams in doubles, beginning play later Sunday against sixth-seeds Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe.
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Feature Photo: Sarah-Jade Champagne
