Canada's Fernandez holds off Mertens to reach Japan Open quarterfinals

Canada's Leylah Fernandez defeated fifth-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium 6-2, 7-6 (8) in second-round women's singles tennis action at the Japan Open in Tokyo on Thursday.

Fernandez, of Laval, Que., went ahead 4-1 in the second set before Mertens staged her comeback effort Thursday morning in Tokyo.

After dropping the next two games, Fernandez made it 5-3, but again gave up two consecutive games.

Canada's Leylah Fernandez cruises into 2nd round of Japan Open

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In the tiebreak, Mertens won the first three points before Fernandez answered with three straight of her own. 

A back-and-forth affair eventually led to Mertens taking an 8-7 edge but Fernandez won the last three points to seal the victory.

Fernandez had three double faults and went without an ace. However, she converted four of her 11 break-point opportunities.

The Canadian will face top-seeded Elena Rybakina oof Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals on Friday.