TORONTO — Leylah Fernandez was knocked out of the National Bank Open on Thursday afternoon in the tournament’s second round.
The 21-year-old from Montreal lost in straight sets to American Ashlyn Kreuger, who earned a 6-4, 6-2 win at Sobeys Stadium.
Fernandez was the final Canadian standing in the singles draw of the National Bank Open after Marina Stakusic lost earlier Thursday.
The loss is an upset for Fernandez, the tournament’s 15th seed who’s ranked 25th in the world, while Kreuger is No. 82.
Fernandez was broken mid-way through the first set and had a chance to get back on serve to tie the match at five games apiece, but let Kreuger claw her way back after being down 0-40, and the American took the game and the opening set.
Fernandez was broken for the second time in the match in her first game of the second set and wasn’t able to mount a comeback.
The 2021 US Open finalist, Fernandez made it to the third round of the NBO last year in Montreal.
Canadian tennis player Leylah Fernandez was defeated in the second round of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Wednesday. The 18-year-old rising star faced a tough match against American player Jessica Pegula, ultimately falling in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
Fernandez, who hails from Montreal, had high hopes heading into the tournament after an impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics where she reached the quarterfinals. However, she struggled to find her rhythm against Pegula, who played a solid and aggressive game throughout the match.
Despite the loss, Fernandez has shown tremendous potential and talent on the court, earning praise from fans and fellow players alike. She has quickly risen through the ranks of women’s tennis and is considered one of the brightest young stars in the sport.
Fernandez’s journey at the National Bank Open may have come to an end, but her future in tennis looks promising. With her determination, skill, and passion for the game, she is sure to continue making waves in the world of professional tennis. Fans can look forward to seeing more exciting matches from this talented Canadian player in the future.