(UPDATE) MELBOURNE: Filipino Canadian Leylah Fernandez bucked a slow start to beat Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic 7-6 (5), 6-2 to advance to the second round of the 2024 Australian Open on Sunday. Fernandez, who represents Canada, will face American Alycia Parks who defeated qualifier Daria Snigur of Ukraine 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Fourth seed Jannik Sinner fired up his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title with a hard-fought straight-sets victory over Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp in the men's division. Filipino Canadian Leylah Fernandez serves against Czech Republic’s Sara Bejlek during their women’s singles match on Day One of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. "Physically I feel good in good shape, the first round is never easy so I can be happy with today."

Source: Manila Times January 14, 2024 16:20 UTC