Peroni Nastro Azzurro Refresh: Recap of Day 1 at the NBO

Giorgi advances in straight sets, Collins overcomes Bouchard in clash of Grand Slam finalists

It was a scintillating start to Omnium Banque National, with the world’s best players bringing the heat in front of a record-breaking Day One crowd at Stade IGA in Montreal for the women’s singles qualifying competition.

In the day’s marquee match, Danielle Collins was able to hold off Genie Bouchard’s impressive challenge in a seesaw 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 victory that had the deserved intensity of a match between two former Grand Slam finalists. The late-afternoon clash attracted a swell of spectators – many with “Go Genie Go” signs clutched nervously in their hands – who rooted passionately for their hometown hero to inspire a second-set resurgence.

Although the effort was ultimately in vain, Bouchard was upbeat in press after the match. “I’m happy that I was able to dig in and stay with [her] and win a set against such a good player,” said the 29-year-old, currently ranked No. 223.

No. 10 seed Cristina Bucsa was the first victor of the day, knocking out Toronto’s Carol Zhao 6-3, 6-3 to reach the final round of qualifying. Elsewhere, big-serving Ashlyn Krueger knocked out Mirjam Bjorklund 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 to advance, while 18-year-old Canadian wild card Marina Stakusic fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to No. 2 seed Alycia Parks after nearly three hours of tennis, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Top-seeded Lesia Tsurenko also reached the final round of qualifying, dispatching Bianca Jolie Fernandez (sister of Leylah Fernandez) 6-1, 6-3, showing the form that has seen her reach back-to-back second weeks at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon this season.

Surprise 2021 champion Camila Giorgi was victorious in her qualifying opener, overwhelming Elvina Klieva with her flat, explosive groundstrokes. The Italian was ruthlessly efficient and will be looking to channel the form that took her to the trophy when she faces Krueger for a spot in the main draw.

On the outer courts, Magdalena Frech snuffed out Storm Hunter’s main draw hopes, 6-2, 6-2, while Kayla Day, Sachia Vickery and Katie Boulter were also successful in clearing their first hurdles of the tournament.