By Canadian Press

Canada’s Leylah Fernandez reaches quarterfinals at Hong Kong Open.

Oct 31, 2024 | 7:29 AM

HONG KONG — Canada’s Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open, defeating Australia’s Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday.

Fernandez, the tournament’s third seed, needed just 80 minutes to dispatch the world No. 115 on the hard court at Victoria Park Tennis Centre.

The 22-year-old from Laval, Que., dominated Birrell on serve, with a 76 per cent first-serve success rate and 75 per cent on her second serve, while committing just three double faults.

Fernandez was sharp in key moments, converting four of eight break points and saving all three against her serve.

The Canadian next faces ninth-seeded American Bernarda Pera.

WHAT’S ON

Here is what's on for Halloween in Medicine Hat, Redcliff and area

7h ago

WHAT TO KNOW

Here's where to find Medicine Hat's spookiest homes on Halloween

9h ago

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat's city vehicle naming contest wraps up

11h ago

Fernandez holds a 2-0 career record against Pera, with their most recent matchup being a victory in the first round in Dubai last February.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

The Canadian Press