(Melbourne) Canadian Rebecca Marino lost 6-2, 6-4 to Jessica Pegula in the first round of the Australian Open tennis tournament on Tuesday.
Marina, 182e world racket, packed up after a one hour and five minute duel at the Margaret Court Arena, shortly before midnight. She had qualified for the women’s main draw after winning her three qualifying matches.
The order proved too heavy for the British Columbian against the fifth seed. Pegula will face Frenchwoman Clara Burel, 52, in the second rounde in the world.
The American was particularly effective with her first service ball, and she knew how to limit waste in her game. Pegula also committed barely 18 unforced errors during the match, compared to 30 for Marino. She was also much more opportunistic in break situations, being 4-for-5. In comparison, the maple leaf representative was limited to just one break on three occasions.
It was the first career match between the two players. Pegula, who has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in the last three editions, has a total of four singles titles on the WTA circuit.
Marino’s elimination means Leylah Annie Fernandez, the 32e seeded, is the last Canadian player still in the women’s singles main draw.
The Quebecer will also face the American Alycia Parks, 82, in the second round on Tuesday evening.e world player.
Furthermore, Ontario’s Gabriela Dabrowski and her Australian doubles partner Erin Routliffe will begin their journey this evening in the first round, facing the American Ashlyn Krueger and the Czech Linda Fruhvirtova. Dabrowski and Routliffe are the fourth seeds in the women’s doubles tournament.