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

Wednesday, 28 February 2024 at 04:00

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.

Read also

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.

Read also

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.

wta

@WTA

·Follow

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

1:35 AM · Feb 28, 2024

113

Read 3 replies

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.

See author's posts

claps 3visitors 1

Frances Tiafoe calls tennis 'the hardest sport in the world": "There's no clock and it's just you"

Serena Williams' pre-Grammys journey documented with TikTok compilation as tennis legend presents award to Green Day singer