Leylah Fernandez showcased an impressive performance at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Wednesday, decisively defeating Ukrainian-born German player Eva Lys with a score of 6-4, 6-1. The match marked a significant moment as it was the first encounter between two top-50 ranked players on the center court of Victoria Park Tennis Stadium during this year’s tournament.
From the start, Fernandez demonstrated her determination, quickly dispelling any expectations of a tightly contested match. The Canadian took just one hour and eight minutes to secure her victory. Impressed with her execution, she attributed her success to a focused mindset. “I think the first set, I came out swinging, and I was just … trusting myself, trusting my shots,” Fernandez remarked after the match. She acknowledged Lys’ relentless effort but emphasized her own strategy: “As the game got closer, I thought, ‘Eva, she’s gonna run for every ball down, so I’m just gonna have to be patient on a couple of shots, but just to keep going for it.’ In the second set, I was being smart with my rallies and shot selections.”
Currently ranked World No 22, Fernandez, who clinched the tournament title in 2023, displayed dominance from the beginning of the match. She won the initial three games, impressively breaking and holding serve without dropping a point in her last two games.
This victory not only highlights Fernandez’s skill but also her ability to remain composed under pressure, showcasing her potential as a formidable player on the WTA tour. As she progresses in the tournament, fans remain hopeful for further captivating performances from the talented Canadian.