The grass-court season has begun with a bang with some intriguing action taking place last week in Nottingham and s-Hertogenbosch. With the Wimbledon Championships not far away, the action quickly moves on to the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham where some top players will be seen in action. Among them is the sixth seed, Leylah Fernandez, who will begin her campaign on grass this week.

The Canadian star has had an up-and-down season marked by inconsistent performances. However, the grass court season offers her a new beginning and a chance to revive her form lately. She will take on an experienced player in the form of Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Leylah Fernandez vs Sara Sorribes Tormo: Preview

After reaching the highs of the US Open final in 2021, Fernandez has suffered a dip in her form and fortunes as her performances came more and more under the public lens. With the 2024 season reaching the halfway mark, the Canadian sensation is yet to make it past the quarterfinal stage of a tournament in singles, let alone win a title. Her best result this year came in Qatar where she made it to the last eight. Similarly, she has played doubles along with her singles commitments but failed to dig deep in that format. As a result, Fernandez will be looking for redemption when she begins her campaign in Birmingham.

On the contrary, Sorribes Tormo has had better fortunes than Fernandez in 2024. While she has struggled in the singles department, the Spaniard has found joy on the doubles circuit. She even won the Madrid Open doubles title with her compatriot, Cristina Bucsa. Thus, it promises to be a close contest when the two face each other in Birmingham.

Fernandez vs Sorribes Tormo: Head-to-Head

The two have been on the WTA Tour for quite some time now. As a result, they have often found each other on the opposite ends of the court. Fernandez and Sorribes Tormo have clashed thrice before, with the Canadian star winning on two occasions. As a result, Sorribes Tormo will look to square things up as far as their head-to-head record is concerned.

Prediction: Fernandez to make a winning start

Although form not by her side, Fernandez has had a good practice session on grass before she opens her campaign in Birmingham. Also, being the higher-ranked player between the two will help her cause, and she is predicted to dig deep in the tournament. However, it won’t be easy against Sorribes Tormo, and Fernandez will potentially win the match in three sets. Their match will take place later today on Ann Jones Court.