Tennis-Fernandez credits father for giving her mental toughness

Jan 17, 2023; Melbourne, VICTORIA, Australia; Leylah Fernandez on day two during the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Leylah Fernandez said her early tennis education under her father Jorge had focused heavily on the mental aspects of the game, something she was thankful for on Tuesday after the Canadian won her first match at the Australian Open.

The 20-year-old, who was runner-up to Emma Raducanu at the 2021 U.S. Open, beat tricky Frenchwoman Alize Cornet 7-5 6-2 in searing conditions at Melbourne Park and faces fourth seed Caroline Garcia next.