Leylah Annie Fernandez falls in a three-setter in New York

Toronto 2024 Peter Power

In her match against Anastasia Potapova, Leylah Annie Fernandez worked hard but ultimately had to admit defeat at the outcome of three sets (2-6, 6-4, 7-5). Still, the Canadian proved she belongs among the WTA’s elite. Here’s a look at her heartbreaking loss.

The first set played out in just 36 minutes. Leylah quickly took a 2-0 lead, easily winning on serve and then breaking her opponent, but then Anastasia Potapova managed to do the same and tied the set at 2-2.

Roller-coaster second set

Much of the second set rested on service breaks. There were 7 in 17 chances.

Serving at 3-1, Leylah hoped to build a comfortable lead, but too many unforced errors helped Potapova catch up and level the score at 3-3.

In the next game, the Canadian overcame three break points thanks to her determination and the crowd’s support, but Potapova had no intention of giving up and secured a 4-3 lead.

Fernandez hadn’t said her last word and brought the score to 4-4, until Potapova earned a break and a 5-4 lead.

Then, in a game that went on for nearly 11 minutes, Potapova fought off five break points and wrapped things up on her fourth set point to extend the match.

The decisive set goes Potapova’s way

With the counter reset, Fernandez continued to depend on her aggressive style, making use of every court angle and taking the ball early to surprise Potapova, who seemed annoyed by the speed of the Leylah’s shots but still found answers to most of them.

Both players managed to put enough pressure to claim a break. As soon as Potapova saw an opportunity at 5-5, she didn’t hesitate to take capitalized on it and serve for the match.

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Written By

Tennis Canada