Canada's Fernandez wins opening match at Australian Open in straight sets

It wasn't vintage Leylah Fernandez, but the 21-year-old from Laval, Que., found a way to grind out a victory on Saturday in her opening singles match at the 15-day Australian Open.

Fernandez needed a tiebreaker to win the first set 7-6 (5) in an hour against 17-year-old qualifier Sara Bejlek of the Czech Republic, then won the second 6-2 in 31 minutes to advance.

Fernandez finished with two aces, two double faults, one tiebreak victory and 18 unforced errors.

"Sara is a very good young player," said Fernandez, who was ousted in the first round last year at the U.S. Open. "I'm super-happy I was able to play some good points in important moments. It feels good."

Racing to the finish line