Leylah Fernandez began her Singapore Open campaign with a straight-sets victory over Japanese qualifier Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-3, on Monday at OCBC Arena in Singapore.
The sixth-seeded Canadian-Filipino took control early but had to deal with a determined challenge from Okamura, who entered the WTA 500 tournament ranked No. 307 in the world.
Fernandez closed out the match after Okamura fought off two match points in the seventh game. A forehand error from the Japanese qualifier eventually ended the contest on center court.
The 24-year-old Fernandez, ranked No. 31 in the world, is competing in Singapore for the first time after receiving a wild card for the hard-court tournament.
Filipino supporters inside the venue provided Fernandez with added encouragement throughout her opening-round match.
“I’m just glad to be playing in front of you guys, the Singaporean fans, [and] I know there’s a lot of Pinoy (Filipino) fans here, so salamat (thank you) for all the support, it truly means a lot to me,” Fernandez said after the match.
Fernandez will next face either American Alycia Parks or Japanese Mei Yamaguchi in the second round. (Adrian Co)
The post Leylah Fernandez sweeps Japanese qualifier to start Singapore Open first appeared on Fastbreak.
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