By Canadian Press

Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez wins first-round match at Serbia Open

May 17, 2021 | 12:08 PM

BELGRADE, Serbia — Canada’s Leylah Annie Fernandez is heading to the second round of the Serbia Open.

Fernandez, from Laval, Que., beat Polona Hercog of Slovenia 7-5, 6-1 in the opening round of the WTA Tour clay-court event on Monday.

The result snapped a run of two tournaments in a row in which Fernandez dropped her opening match.

Fernandez, ranked 69th in the world, saved six of seven break points she faced. The Canadian converted on seven of her 14 break-point opportunities against Hercog, the world No. 73.

The 18-year-old Fernandez is now 2-0 against Hercog, with the Canadian also winning on clay last year in the second round of the French Open.

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Fernandez will face the winner of a match between Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria and Lola Radivojevic of Serbia in the second round.

Earlier Monday, Fernandez was named winner of the  2021 Billie Jean King Cup Playoffs Heart Award for her performance in Canada’s 4-0 road victory over Serbia in April. Fernandez’s two singles triumphs helped Canada secure its place in next year’s Qualifiers.

The winner of the award — which honours players who have represented their country with distinction, demonstrated exceptional courage on the court and shown outstanding commitment to their team at the Billie Jean King Cup — was decided by a public vote.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2021.

The Canadian Press