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.
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.
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.
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.
claps 3visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
