Tennis Canada

In the 2024 Australian Open first round, Canada’s Rebecca Marino faced the challenge of playing against No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula. Despitea straight-set setsdefeat, Marino’s display was a testament to the resilience and competitive spirit inherent in Canadian tennis.

Marino struggled to keep up with Pegula in the opening set, but she refused to let the American run away with the match. Down an early break at 3-1 in the second, the Canadian showed characteristic determination and clawed back to 3-3. But there was no denying the fifth-seeded American, who broke again late for a 6-2, 6-4 win.

Up-and-Down Serving

Marino’s big-serving game, which featured five aces, underscored her powerful play style. However, she also committed four double faults. Shewon 56 per cent of her first serve points and 51. per cent on the second serve.

Despite the loss, Marino’s performance against a top-ranked player like Pegula illustrates her capability and potential for future tournaments. She should take confidence from the way she pushed a Top 10 opponent.

Leylah Annie Fernandez is the lone Canadian left in the women’s singles draw. She plays Alycia Parks on Wednesday morning in Melbourne, 7 pm EST Tuesday night in Canada.

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