2021 U.S. Open women’s singles finalist Leylah Fernandez faced an early exit from the Australian Open on Tuesday, losing 6-2, 6-4 to wildcard Maddison Inglis in the first round. This is the first competitive match that Fernandez has played since finishing as runner up in the U.S. Open grand slam event.
“Today was just not a good day. Too many mistakes,” the 19-year-old Canadian stated following her loss.
Emma Raducanu, who defeated Fernandez to lift the U.S. Open trophy, beat former U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-0, 2-6, 6-1 in what was a turbulent encounter. The British number 17th seed is scheduled to face number 98th ranked Danka Kovinic in the second round.
Third-seeded Garbine Muguruza will join the reigning US Open champion in the second round, having defeated the number 77th ranked Clara Burel 6-3 6-4. “Very happy the way I played and, of course, controlling the nerves,” Muguruza commented, referring to the importance of remaining cautious in the early stages of the tournament so as to avoid elimination.
Fernandez was not the only big name to face early elimination. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova also suffered a first-round defeat, losing 6-2 6-2 against Sorana Cirstea.
