Opposed to the Croatian Ana Konjuh, 88th in the world, the Quebecer won in two sets of 7-6 (7/3) and 6-2 on Monday.
Led by a breakage early in the game, Fernandez was finally able to break her rival at 5-4. More confident, she then dominated the tiebreaker.
In the second inning, the 73rd racquet in the WTA imposed its game and delighted the service of its rival three times.
In an interview on the field, she underlined the public’s contribution to her victory.
The fans were definitely a factor, especially in the first inning when I was making mistakes, Fernandez said at TSN’s microphone. I kept pushing and struggling with their encouragement. I was doing good things and was getting closer and closer to breaking it. When I managed to do it, I started playing better and better.
The 18-year-old, however, will have to polish her game if she wants to progress further in the tournament. She made 23 winning shots, but committed 27 unforced errors. Fortunately for her, her opponent recorded 38.
In 2020, Fernandez also reached the second round, but was eliminated in two sets by American Sofia Kenin on the Arthur-Ashe court.
I was a little impressed by the stakes and the size of the empty stadium last year, she added. There are spectators there and I feel better prepared.
In the next round, the Quebecer will face the Estonian Kaia Kanepi, 70th.
–
