“If it’s going to take a hundred balls”: Leylah Fernandez explains her fearless plan to beat Mirra Andreeva
WTASaturday, 08 August 2026 at 08:30
Leylah Fernandez produced one of her biggest wins of the 2026 season at the Canadian Open, defeating French Open champion and No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva 6-1, 6-4 to reach the round of 16. The Canadian entered the match with a 14-20 record for the year and was still searching for her first win against a top-10 opponent in 2026.
The challenge was particularly significant given Fernandez had already lost to Andreeva in Madrid earlier this season. This time, however, the Canadian controlled the match from the baseline, won nine consecutive games at one stage and never allowed the fifth seed to settle into her usual rhythm. The result also gave Fernandez her biggest victory of the season in front of her home crowd.
There was also an unusual motivation behind Fernandez's approach. She had been disappointed to learn that her third-round match would be played during the day rather than at night, with Andreeva scheduled to play doubles later on Friday. Fernandez and her team quickly turned that frustration into a simple objective: win the match and earn another opportunity to play under the lights.
That mindset translated perfectly onto the court. Fernandez raced through the opening set and established a commanding lead in the second before Andreeva attempted a late comeback. The Canadian eventually closed out the victory, giving herself another chance to make a deep run in Toronto after a difficult first half of the season.
Fernandez trusts her game to dismantle Andreeva
Fernandez started quickly after the two players exchanged holds, winning five consecutive games to take the opening set in just 31 minutes. She won all 13 points behind her first serve in the set and took advantage of Andreeva's 19 unforced errors. “My team and I just said, ‘Got to win to get an evening match,’” Fernandez said after the match.
Rather than trying to end rallies quickly, Fernandez trusted her fitness and waited for opportunities to break down the French Open champion.
“There have been times where I just want to finish the point quickly, and in that moment I was like, no, trust in my abilities, trust in my fitness,” Fernandez explained. “I know I can endure long rallies, long matches. So if it’s going to take a hundred balls to hit to put it in to break her down, then so be it.”
Fernandez carried that approach into the second set and moved 5-1 ahead before Andreeva finally responded. The Russian broke back when Fernandez served for the match and then held to reduce the deficit, but the Canadian remained composed and closed out the victory on her second opportunity.
“It wasn’t going to be straightforward,” Fernandez said. “I think for me it was just to keep believing in myself in that moment. And to look at my box, look at my team, and use their energy as motivation to keep going, that I am doing a good job, and it’s just a matter of keep believing it and executing.”
Fernandez gets another chance to revive her season
The victory represents a significant change in Fernandez's season. She had won only 13 WTA Tour matches before arriving in Toronto and suffered first-round exits at all three Grand Slams in 2026. Her best WTA 1000 result was a quarterfinal appearance in Madrid, where Andreeva defeated her 7-6(1), 6-3.
Fernandez has now matched her best Canadian Open result, having reached the round of 16 in Montreal in 2023. She is also the only Canadian remaining in either singles draw at the Canadian Open, giving her another opportunity to make a deep run in front of her home supporters.
“It means a lot, especially knowing that I’ve been training so well, so hard,” Fernandez said. “It’s going to help with the confidence, but we all know that on the next day everything starts at zero, everybody has a chance to go to the next round.”
Her next challenge will be four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. Fernandez defeated Osaka in the third round of the 2021 US Open before reaching her first major final, while Osaka won their most recent meeting at the Wuhan Open last year.
“The crowd has just been super amazing,” Fernandez said. “They motivate me so much in fighting and keeping disciplined and putting on a good show.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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