Leylah Fernandez’s winning streak in Japan continues as the 23-year-old Canadian secured a victory against Maria Sakkari in the opening round of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Fernandez, hailing from Laval, Que., clinched the match in two hours and two minutes, defeating the 30-year-old qualifier with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-4. During the game, Fernandez displayed a strong performance, hitting two aces, one double fault, 47 unforced errors, and 32 winners. She maintained a 58% success rate on her first serve points and a 50% rate on second serve points. Saving six out of 11 break points and winning six out of 10 break points, Fernandez showcased her resilience on the court.
In another match, Victoria Mboko, representing Toronto, emerged victorious over Bianca Andreescu from Mississauga in a competitive all-Ontario battle. Mboko secured a 6-3, 6-3 win over Andreescu, with the match lasting 73 minutes. Notable statistics from the match include Andreescu’s 19 unforced errors compared to Mboko’s 18. Mboko served three double faults, one ace, and 21 winners. The Toronto teen excelled in serving, winning 77% of her first serve points and 50% of her second serve points, along with claiming three out of eight return games.
Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov from Richmond Hill, Ont., advanced to the second round of the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament after a challenging match against Marcos Giron of the United States. Shapovalov, aged 26, secured a hard-fought victory with a scoreline of 6-7 (3), 6-0, 7-6 (4). Despite facing five double faults, Shapovalov’s game was elevated by his 13 aces and converting five out of eight break-point opportunities. Giron, on the other hand, struggled to break Shapovalov’s serve, managing to do so only twice out of seven chances.
Looking ahead, Shapovalov is set to face lucky loser Valentin Royer of France in the upcoming round. With his recent success at the Stockholm Open, Shapovalov aims to continue his winning momentum in the tournament. Additionally, the ATP 500 tournament on Wednesday will feature an exciting all-Montreal clash between Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded fifth, and Gabriel Diallo.