Canada’s Fernandez holds off Mertens rally to advance from second round at Japan Open

Canada's Fernandez holds off Mertens rally to advance from second round at Japan Open | iNFOnews.ca
Leylah Fernandez, of Canada, serves the ball to Jessica Pegula, of the United States, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

TOKYO — 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.

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.

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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

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