Last year’s finale had a sensational cast. Two teenagers competed for the first Grand Slam title: British Emma Raducanu (18) and Canadian Leylah Fernandez (19, 24 WTA). It was the first such situation in the 21st century. Raducanu won 6: 4, 6: 3.
Fernandez’s fatal disposition
Two weeks ago, Leylah Fernandez missed her dress rehearsal for the Australian Open. In the tournament in Adelaide, she was smashed by (9th WTA) 1: 6, 2: 6. Now the Canadian in Melbourne faced the representative of the hosts, classified only on the 133rd place in the world ranking – Maddison Inglis.
One break decided about the fate of the first set. 24-year-old Inglis won them in the seventh game. In the second game, the Australian did not give her rival a chance. She quickly won the first 13 of 14 points and took the lead 3-0. A moment later it was 5: 1 and Fernandez’s momentary jerk in the end did not give her anything.
– US Open 2021 Finalist Leylah Fernandez was eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open. I can remind you boredom on such occasions how great Iga Światek is doing after the triumph in Paris, when we look at what problems other young tennis players have after achieving success – wrote Dominik Senkowski, journalist at sport.pl. on Twitter.
The Canadian had fewer winners in the match (8-14) and made more unforced mistakes (30-27). The winning Inglis was clearly better.
– I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time. It was just great luck. I saw the ball fly out of the car and looked at my relatives. It was an amazing moment. I am really very happy to be able to win here in Melbourne in front of all my friends and family, Inglis said after the game.
For her, it was the greatest success in her career. She has never been promoted to the second round of a Grand Slam tournament. So far, she has only won five singles and two doubles tournaments, but the ITF rank.
In the second round, Inglis will play against American Hailey Baptiste (165th WTA).
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
