The 2021 US Open finalist, Leylah Fernandez (CAN) didn’t have a great outing at this year’s US Open. She faced an early exit at the hand of Russia’s Anastasia Potapova. However, Fernandez now has a chance to redeem herself in Beijing. She will face America’s Peyton Stearns in the R64 of the China Open. Can her experience of playing against some of the top opponents outclass the relatively inexperienced Peyton Stearns?

Leylah Fernandez vs Peyton Stearns: Preview

The 22-year-old Canadian’s best record in this season came at the Eastbourne International. She reached the finals, but another Russian, Daria Kasatkina, handed her a defeat by 3-6,4-6. Although she has made quite a few QF runs in her previous tournaments this year, her performance at the 2024 US Open was pretty ordinary. Potapova defeated Leylah Fernandez by 2-6,6-4,7-5, now it’ll be interesting to see if she can make a strong comeback in her next match.

Her opponent in the next match, Peyton Stearns, has looked quite impressive this year. She won the title at the Morocco Open and then reached the QF at the Canadian Open and Tennis in The Land tournament. Her consistency throughout the season has been a key to her recent success and that’s also the main reason she’s a genuine threat for the Canadian in this match. Stearns is entering this match after her comprehensive victory against Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the R128 of the China Open. She defeated her by 6-2,6-4.

Fernandez vs Stearns: Head-to-Head

Leylah Fernandez and Peyton Stearns have faced each other two times in their careers. Currently, their H2H record is well poised at 1-1. Who will get the edge in their third meeting?

• 2023 Morocco Open R16: Stearns 6-3,2-6,6-2.
• 2023 Canadian Open R64: Fernandez 6-3,6-2.

Prediction: Fernandez to win in three sets

Leylah Fernandez has the experience of playing against some of the bigger opponents on several big occasions. In fact, if we take a look at their rankings and win-loss record, the Canadian has the edge over Peyton Stearns. Fernadez is currently ranked 28th in the world and she has a win-loss record of 24-20 this season. On the other hand, Stearns (46) has a win-loss record of just 20-20. So considering these factors, we’re keeping Fernadez slightly ahead in this intriguing contest.

However, the American reached the first round (R64) last year by winning two of her qualifiers here at the China Open, whereas Fernandez was defeated in her first qualifier last season. This shows that Peyton Stearns has the potential to come up with a stern challenge against Leylah Fernandez,

If we take a look at their playing styles, Stearns has an aggressive style of play. She loves playing on the hard courts and her booming forehand shots are something that Leylah Fernandez needs to keep an eye on right from the start of this match. Peyton Stearns loves swinging her racquets freely, generating some real venom in her shots. However, the high number of double fault counts this season has been one of her major concerns this year. She has hit 97 aces and committed 135 double faults as of now!

Taking about double faults, well, even Leylah Fernandez doesn’t have an impressive record when it comes to her serves. She has hit 95 aces and committed 179 double faults in the 2024 season. Fernandez’s game mainly comprises power, agility, and incredible strategic moves. This left-handed tennis player can create some challenging angles to keep her opponents always on their toes. Her athleticism and incredible footwork are something which makes her a really special player on the Tour. However, Fernandez’s fighting spirit in her matches often helps her make stunning comebacks in the matches. We expect this match to go deep, but Fernandez has the edge in this contest!