Invited by the organizers of the Strasbourg tournament, Diane Parry won in the first round. A week after her early defeat at the Clarins Trophy, the Nice native reassured herself against Leylah Fernandez.
It wasn’t really planned in the schedule, but Diane Parry eventually accepted the wild card from the organizers of the Strasbourg tournament. A WTA 500 that serves as a sort of dress rehearsal for the French Open at Roland-Garros. Despite a slight thigh problem, the Nice native was on Court Patrice Dominguez this afternoon to challenge the Canadian Leylah Fernandez (22 years old, world No. 26). A top-ranked player who has struggled to string together victories this season. However, she remains a formidable opponent for Diane Parry, who is also searching for her form this season. With only four singles victories in 2025, the player from the Côte d’Azur is experiencing a very challenging season.
In contrast to last week, Diane Parry is gradually finding her rhythm in this match. Sharp and more agile, Leylah Fernandez appears to have a slight edge. Even if she doesn’t manage to break immediately, there is an indomitable motivation on both sides. The players are very solid in long rallies. But it’s the Canadian who makes the first break in the match, taking the lead in the first set. This doesn’t affect Diane Parry, who stays focused on her game, unlike last week. The Nice native eventually fights her way back into the match. She breaks back and manages to gain a decisive advantage at the end of the set before sealing the first set (7-5) with a game to love.
With a clenched fist, Diane Parry seems to have gained the psychological edge over Leylah Fernandez. Despite missing a break point in the first game, Diane Parry remains composed. Both players are strong on their service games. This is good news for the Nice native, who had been struggling in this area since Saint-Malo. While leading 4-3 in the second set, the match becomes more intense. Very strong when in danger, Leylah Fernandez manages to fight back into the match each time she is broken. At 6-5, Diane Parry has the opportunity to serve for the match but concedes her service game to love. A concerning moment for her thigh, which she quickly dismisses in the tie-break she wins (7-3).
Diane Parry thus achieved her fifth victory of the year in Strasbourg (7-5/7-6) at the end of a hard-fought match. Especially against a top 30 player. Promising signs for the coming weeks. In the second round, she will face the 8th seed, Liudmila Samsonova.
