Fernandez bounced in opening round at WTA San Diego Open

SAN DIEGO — Daria Kasatkina took less than an hour on Tuesday to end Leylah Fernandez's experience at the WTA San Diego Open.

The eighth-seeded Russian bounced the Montreal athlete 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of women's singles at the WTA 500 Series event. The match on Hologic Court 2 took 59 minutes to complete.

Kasatkina was able to win 25 receiving points compared to Fernandez's 13, and the Russian served winners on 78 per cent of her first serve, compared to Fernandez's 50. The spread was even large on second serves, with Kasatkina holding a 71-42 per cent advantage.

Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., who upset red-hot Russian Liudmila Samsonova 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-2 on Monday night, will play Wednesday in the round of 16.

In women's doubles action on Tuesday, Carol Zhao of Vaughan, Ont., and Rebecca Marino of Vancouver will face Sofia Kenin of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and Samsonova in the round of 16.

Also on Tuesday, the second-seeded combo of Ottawa's Gabriela Dabrowski and partner Giuliana Olmos of Mexico will face Sabrina Santamaria of Los Angeles and partner Kaitlyn Christian of Orange, Calif.

This year's tournament marks the first return of the WTA to San Diego since 2015.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2022.