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Fung and Zhao from Canada eliminated in National Bank Open qualifying rounds

Fung and Zhao from Canada eliminated in National Bank Open qualifying rounds

August 5, 2024

TORONTO — Canadians Stacey Fung and Carol Zhao won’t reach the National Bank Open main draw.

Fung was knocked out in the second round of women’s singles qualifying with a 6-1, 6-3 loss to top qualifier Katie Volynets of the United States on Monday at Sobeys Stadium.

The 27-year-old Fung, from Vancouver, won just seven of 32 points on first serve and conceded eight of nine break points

Zhao of Richmond Hill, Ont., dropped a 6-1, 6-0 decision to Ashlyn Krueger of the United States. She had 13 double faults and won just 30 per cent of the points on her first serve.

The 29-year-old Zhao defeated Kristina Mladenovic of France 7-5, 6-1 in the first round on Sunday after replacing Hailey Baptiste as an alternate. Baptiste withdrew due to travel issues.

Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., Vancouver’s Rebecca Marino, and Toronto’s Marina Stakusic are already in the NBO main draw, which begins Tuesday.

Canadian tennis players Leylah Annie Fernandez and Rebecca Marino have advanced to the main draw of the National Bank Open, but unfortunately, fellow Canadians Carol Zhao and Eugenie Bouchard were eliminated in the qualifying rounds.

Zhao, who hails from Richmond Hill, Ontario, fell in straight sets to American player Claire Liu in the final round of qualifying. Despite putting up a strong fight, Zhao was unable to overcome Liu’s powerful groundstrokes and aggressive play. This loss is surely disappointing for Zhao, who was hoping to make a splash in her home country’s premier tennis tournament.

Similarly, Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist, was unable to secure a spot in the main draw after losing to American player Hailey Baptiste in the second round of qualifying. Bouchard, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form in recent years, was unable to find her rhythm against Baptiste and ultimately fell in straight sets.

While it is disappointing to see Zhao and Bouchard eliminated in the qualifying rounds, Fernandez and Marino’s success provides a glimmer of hope for Canadian tennis fans. Fernandez, who recently reached the quarterfinals of the French Open, will be looking to continue her impressive run of form in front of a home crowd. Marino, who has been making a comeback after taking a break from tennis, will also be looking to make a statement in the main draw.

As the National Bank Open kicks off in Toronto, Canadian tennis fans will be eagerly watching Fernandez and Marino as they compete against some of the best players in the world. While Zhao and Bouchard may have fallen short in the qualifying rounds, their efforts and determination should not go unnoticed. With their talent and hard work, they will surely be back stronger in future tournaments.