Injury forces Leylah FERNANDEZ to retire against Tatjana MARIA in San Diego

Leylah Fernandez retired from the match against Tatjana Maria at the San Diego Open after suffering a shoulder injury when the score was 7-6(7), 0-4. The 8th seed had an explosive start to the match but gradually declined, allowing the German to put pressure on her.

Fernandez took an early lead in the set with an early break and then saved two break points to go up 2-0. In a contested 24-point game, the Canadian secured the second break and with her serve, she was in a comfortable 4-0 lead, in what seemed to be a smooth day for the 21-year-old athlete.

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Maria narrowed the gap with a break in the sixth game, and although Fernandez had the opportunity to close the set with her serve at 5-4, the German responded with a second break, leveling the match. In the tie-break, the veteran German took the lead, and both had set points in their favor, but Fernandez ultimately won the set 7-6(7).

The 2021 US Open finalist showed some physical discomfort in her shoulder at the end of the first set and received medical support, deciding to continue in the match. With clear issues in her left shoulder, Fernandez chose to retire with the score at 7-6(7), 0-4, just one week before the start of Indian Wells.

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With the result, Tatjana Maria will reach world No. 44, and at 36 years old, she could achieve her best historical ranking if she wins her next match, entering the top 40 for the first time. In the second round, she will play against Daria Saville, who advanced from the qualifiers and defeated China's Lin Zhu 6-3, 6-3.

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Get well soon Leylah ❤️‍🩹 @Maria_Tatjana is into the next round after Fernandez is forced to retire due to injury. #SanDiegoOpen

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