
Leylah Annie Fernandez of Montreal, Quebec is the lone Canadian left in the singles draws at the 2025 Australian Open. In the second round in Melbourne on Tuesday evening in Canada (Wednesday in Australia), Fernandez defeated Cristina Bucsa of Spain 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
This was a very well played match and statistically even. Fernandez and Bucsa broke each other three times. Out of the 201 points in the match, Fernandez won 102 and Bucsa won 99.
Fernandez also did a very good job returning serve. Bucsa did not have an ace, while Fernandez had two.
Next up for Fernandez, the 30th seed, is American Coco Gauff of the United States, the third ranked player in the world. Fernandez and Gauff have had excellent runs at the United States Open in the past. Fernandez reached the finals in 2022, and Gauff was victorious in 2023.
It was not that long ago that Fernandez played Gauff. They went head-to-head at the United Cup on December 29 with Gauff winning 6-3, 6-2.
There is no doubt Gauff has a little bit more power in her game, and is the more dangerous player on a consistent basis. However, there is one advantage Fernandez has and that is better composure. Goff can get rattled and frustrated easily, and it is in those situations she gets into trouble.