Canada's Fernandez advances to quarterfinals at Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG — Canada's Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hong Kong Open with 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 victory over Russia's Mirra Andreeva on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Fernandez fired four aces, converted six of her 11 break-point opportunities and needed less than two hours to overcome the 16-year-old Andreeva.

Fernandez also won 17 of her 27 net approaches, and fired 36 winners to Andreeva's 16.

"She's very tough to play against," said Fernandez. "I'm very happy with the way I fought and the way I found solutions. I wasn't afraid of going to the net even though I was missing a lot."

Fernandez, of Laval, Que., will next face Linda Fruhvirtova of Czechia ,who beat Russian Alina Korneeva 6-4, 7-5 on Thursday.

It will mark the first career meeting between Fernandez, ranked 60th on the WTA Tour, and No. 88 Fruhvirtova.

Fernandez had strong start to the tournament, capitalizing on the early exit of the tournament's top seed, Victoria Azarenka.

Azarenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, retired during their first-round match on Tuesday with a leg injury after the two players had split the first two sets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 12, 2023.