Canada’s Fernandez begins Hong Kong defence with win over Britain’s Watson

HONG KONG — Defending champion Leylah Fernandez advanced to the second round of the Hong Kong Open tennis tournament with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Britain’s Heather Watson on Tuesday.

Fernandez, the third seed from Laval, Que., punished her opponent’s mistakes by converting five of her seven break-point chances.

On serve, Fernandez had four aces and defended four of the five break points she faced.

Fernandez improved to 1-3 against Watson in their first meeting since the 2020 Acapulco final.