Canada’s Leylah Annie Fernandez rolled to a 6-1, 6-4 victory over fifth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva at the National Bank Open on Friday for her first win over a top-10 opponent this season.
After an injury prevented Serena Williams from playing doubles with Venus at Wimbledon, the sisters are finally reuniting next week in Cincinnati. "I think the whole world was looking forward to Wimbledon, and it just didn't end up the way we had hoped," Venus said. "Hopefully we can get on the court and get back into the swing of things and pick up right where we left off."
Venus Williams and Alex Eala were all smiles on Thursday despite dropping their first-round doubles match in Toronto. "The fact that I got to play with Venus is like an amazing highlight to my career," Eala said. Venus initiated the partnership. "I think we both thrive in pressure situations," the 46-year-old said. "Alex is a world star. She's just incredible."
After dropping the first set, Cameron Norrie battled back in a big way against the No. 3 ranked Alex de Minaur, taking the next set in a long tiebreak and dominating the final set to earn the upset victory.
Four-time Grand Slam winner and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka dropped only seven points on her first serve in a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Zhang Shuai in 76 minutes.
The Fernandez sisters – 23-year-old Leylah Annie and 22-year-old Bianca Jolie – lost their rain-delayed first-round doubles match on Thursday. But despite the result, the pair are relishing every moment of the rare time together this week in Toronto.
After dropping a close first-round match, Gaby Dabrowski spoke to TSN about sharing the court with Coco Gauff and why she's taking the defeat in stride. The 34-year-old from Ottawa also shared her expectations for the US Open mixed doubles event and reflected on an unexpected moment with Princess Kate at Wimbledon.
Caty McNally is embracing the chance to play in a hostile environment on Friday night against Filipino fan favourite Alex Eala. "It's going to be crazy," the 24-year-old American said. "I'm expecting a full crowd and every single person cheering for her and my little team cheering for me. But it's going to be a great experience no matter what."
No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek conceded just three games in a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Viktorija Golubic in 66 minutes that booked her a spot in the Round of 16 at the National Bank Open.
There was a lot to like about Leylah Annie Fernandez's performance on Wednesday, but one thing, in particular, stood out to her father and coach. "Finally, with the Toronto crowd cheering her on, I think it gave her the courage that she needed to start going to the net a little bit more," Jorge Fernandez said. "And when she goes to the net good things really happen."
Alexandra Eala fed off the fan support to win her Toronto debut. "I saw so many Filipino flags, it gave me so much joy," the 21-year-old star from the Philippines said. "I know Toronto is such a multi-cultural city, so it's nice for me to be here for the first time, experience that culture, experience that atmosphere."
Canadian Félix-Auger Aliassime has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal due to a back injury he suffered while training, the tournament announced on Wednesday. Auger-Aliassime’s withdrawal comes one day after fellow Canadians Gabriel Diallo and Denis Shapovalov were forced to retire from matches on Tuesday.
After dropping the second set, World No. 25 Alex Eala bounced pack to seal the deal in the deciding set against American Alycia Parks, advancing to the Round of 32 at the National Bank Open.
Canada's Leylah Annie Fernandez overwhelmed Mexico’s Renata Zarazua 6-2, 6-2 on home soil to cruise into the third round in Toronto. Fernandez represents the last Canadian hope in both the women’s and men’s singles draws at the National Bank Open, and will face Mirra Andreeva next in the Round of 32.
Playing on the same night that rising Philippines star Alex Eala made her Toronto debut, Leylah Annie Fernandez, who is also of Filipino descent, soaked up the incredible atmosphere. "The Filipino community are super proud," the 23-year-old said. "The fan base is super amazing, loving."
Leylah Annie Fernandez took the court in Toronto on Wednesday night knowing she was the last Canadian standing in singles in both Montreal and Toronto. "My dad specifically said that before I walked on court," Fernandez revealed. "I guess that kind of lit a little fire in me."
No. 4 seed Coco Gauff surged to a straight sets win over fellow American Kayla Day 6-2, 7-5 to earn her first-ever win in Toronto and advance to the third round of the National Bank Open.
No. 4 seed Daniil Medvedev became the latest top player to fall at the National Bank Open after losing to World No. 70 Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (5) in Montreal.
Tallon Griekspoor stunned top seed Alexander Zverev 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-4 at the National Bank Open on Wednesday to earn his third victory against a Top-5 opponent. The 30-year-old Dutchman struck 20 winners off the forehand and won 17 of 18 points when up at net.
Looking to jumpstart her season, Leylah Annie Fernandez opened her Toronto campaign with a decisive win on Wednesday night. While munching on an ice cream bar, the 23-year-old told TSN why the win in front of a sellout crowd felt "extremely special."
Mirra Andreeva dropped just two games in her Toronto opener, but is expecting a much stiffer challenge on Friday against Leylah Annie Fernandez. "It's going to be tough," said the reigning Roland Garros champ. "She's playing at home, so obviously the crowd is going to support her. She's an amazing player ... I'm sure that it's going to be a very entertaining match."
ADVERTISEMENT
