Fernandez eliminated from Morocco Open with loss to Stearns

RABAT, Morocco — Canada's Leylah Fernandez is out of the Morocco Open after a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 loss to Peyton Stearns of the United States in second-round action Wednesday.

The fifth-seeded Fernandez, from Laval, Que., struggled with her serve, committing eight double-faults and defending just four of the 10 break points she faced.

Stearns also had difficulty holding serve, surrendering five breaks on nine chances. But she had the game's only ace and hit into just three double faults.

It was the first meeting between the players on the WTA Tour.

Fernandez was competing in Morocco as a tuneup for the French Open. Main-draw action at the clay-court Grand Slam begins Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 24, 2023.