Leylah Annie Fernandez has found a new gear at the Mutua Madrid Open as the former US Open finalist is back into a WTA 1000 quarter-final for the first time since 2024.
After needing to produce a comeback against 15th-seed Iva Jovic in round three, the Canadian No. 2 cruised in the round of 16, defeating No. 31 seed Ann Li 6-3, 6-2 on Monday.
Fernandez was aggressive again throughout the near 90-minute match and converted on three of her eight break points. For the first time in the event, the 23-year-old from Laval was perfect on serve, saving the only break points she faced when serving for the opening set.
Both players went back-and-forth in the winners count as part of a strong start to the contest, before Fernandez had her opening in the sixth game at 15-40. However, Li held her nerve to keep things balanced at 3-3.
The Canadian was clinical on her next opportunity later in the set. At 3-4, 30-40, Fernandez forced the loss of serve and earned the chance to serve for the opener, but the world No. 25 had to overcome some pressure, saving two break points prior to serving out the set.
Read also: Canada to face Brazil at Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs in November
Fernandez quickly made life difficult for the American to begin the second. The Lavalloise held four break points in Li’s first two service games, converting on the fourth to take a 2-1 edge in the set. Fernandez then confidently worked her way to a pair of tight holds, with both going to deuce, as she took a 4-2 lead.
In a repeat of the first, the Canuck broke late in the set, giving her the opportunity to serve for a spot in the quarters at 5-2. On match point, Fernandez watched Li’s return land wide as the former world No. 13 was through to her first Big Clay quarter-final since 2022 Roland-Garros.
Read also: Who Could Follow in Loïs Boisson’s Footsteps at Roland-Garros?
Fernandez will battle No. 9 seed Mirra Andreeva in the final eight on Tuesday.
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
