Leylah Fernandez defeated Alize Cornet 7–5, 6–2 in the first round of the Australian Open on hard court, confirming her status as pre-match favourite with odds of 1.64 to Cornet's 2.4. Fernandez controlled the match decisively in the second set, though the opening frame remained competitive before she secured it by two games. The Canadian's superior court positioning and consistency proved decisive against the veteran Cornet, who struggled to generate the momentum needed to trouble her younger opponent. This straightforward victory suggests Fernandez entered the tournament in solid form and positioned herself well for a potential deep run.