Leylah Fernandez was able to overcome a three-set battle with Mirra Andreeva at the Prudential Hong Kong Open, fighting back from a set down to win the match 3-6, 6-1, 6-3.
The 2021 US Open finalist made it through to the Round of 16 after top seed Victoria Azarenka retired from their Round of 32 clash at Victoria Park.
This was her second meeting with the teen talent, who had previously defeated the Canadian player at the Madrid Open earlier this year. At the beginning of this match in Hong Kong, it looked as though the result could be the same as last time, with Andreeva securing a break in the opening set.
While the 16-year-old Russian was able to successfully close out the first set 6-3, Fernandez was not about to give up. She found herself with a break point in Andreeva's first service game and sent the ball flying down the court to secure an early break.
Shortly after this, an unforced error from Andreeva gave Fernandez a double break point, which she successfully converted with a well-angled shot. The 21-year-old's next service game went to a deuce but after a brief struggle the Canadian was able to hold.
Nevertheless, Andreeva was able to break back once as Fernandez served for a set. It was not enough to deter her though and she succesfully served for the set the second time around at 5-2.
In the final set, Andreeva fought back to break Fernandez in her first service game. However, the latter was able to do the same in the next game to level the set at 1-1, leading Andreeva to become increasingly frustrated.
Fernandez continued to play well and secured another break to lead 3-1, guaranteeing it with a confident hold before earning a double break.
After 1 hour and 52 minutes, Fernandez had match point, which she won following an unforced error from Andreeva.
This means that Fernandez will now progress to the quarter-final of the Hong Kong Open.
Fernandez d. Mirra Andreeva 3-6 6-1 6-3 in Hong Kong Leylah fought back from a set down. Nice to see her coming out on top of some close matches again. ✅4th QF of 2023 She always has the best attitude. That bubbly, positive energy means she’s never out of a match. 🇨🇦❤️
