(Beijing) Quebecer Leylah Fernandez was eliminated from the China Open after being surprised by American Peyton Stearns on Friday.
The 22-year-old Stearns defeated Fernandez in two sets 7-5, 6-2 in Beijing.
Fernando, 20e seeded in the tournament, committed five double faults and only hit 48% of her first serves.
Stearns was more efficient with 61.8% of her first serves in play. She put the Quebecer on her heels for the majority of the match, converting five of her 14 break opportunities.
It was the third straight early exit for Fernandez, who has not won in singles since the round of 16 in Cincinnati on August 16.
Stearns will now have a meeting with Russian Anna Kalinskaya.