Leylah Fernandez eliminated from Australian Open

Leylah Fernandez lost in the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday as fourth-seeded Caroline Garcia prevailed 7-6(5), 7-5.

Garcia had 11 aces against the 20-year-old Quebecer, finalist in New York in 2021.

The Frenchman broke the Canadian at zero to take the lead 6-5 in the second set.

In the deciding game, the winner’s only misstep was a double fault. Fernandez sent two balls off target to the flanks and conceded two points on powerful serves.

It was the first encounter between Fernandez and Garcia, who outshot winners 40-18.

Garcia won the WTA Finals in November in Texas.

In the third round, she will face Laura Siegemund, 158^e.

The 34-year-old German caused an upset by dismissing Irina-Camelia Begu, 27^e first in the series.

Sixth seed, the Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime will face Friday against Francisco Cerundolo, 30^e in the world.

Ontario’s Denis Shapovalov, 20^e seeded, will then have as opponent Hubert Hurkacz, 10^e Headlining.

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