Leylah Fernandez posts upset win over Russia's Mirra Andreeva in National Bank Open 3rd round

A down season is showing signs of life for Canada's Leylah Fernandez.

The timing could not be better for National Bank Open organizers nearly left without a domestic storyline at the tournament's midway point.

Fernandez booked a spot in the Round of 16 at the WTA Tour event Friday with a 6-1, 6-4 upset win over fifth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva.

“I've put in the work," Fernandez said from Toronto. "I know physically I am strong. I know I can endure long rallies and long matches. So, if it's going to take 100 balls to hit, to put it in, to break her down, then so be it."

The third-round victory was her first win over a top-10 opponent this season. She has split four career meetings with Andreeva, who has won three WTA titles this year.

Fernandez, who reached the U.S. Open final in 2021, is the lone Canadian left in the field, singles or doubles, at the WTA 1000-level hard-court tournament.

"Hearing that I'm the lone Canadian [left], of course there's a little bit of pressure," Fernandez said. "But also, a lot more motivation and reasons to keep going on the path that I am on."

Fernandez, the No. 30 seed, was in control for most of the match on a muggy, overcast afternoon at Sobeys Stadium.

Andreeva struggled with unforced errors and couldn't establish a rhythm against the crowd favourite from Laval, Que., who improved to 15-20 this season.

Down 2-5 in the second set, Andreeva picked up her first break and then held serve to put some pressure on, but Fernandez would serve it out for the win in 80 minutes.

"She's a fighter," Fernandez said. "She's top 10 for a reason, top five for a reason. She's won a Grand Slam for a reason. So, she wasn't going to just hand over the match to me."

Fernandez moves into 3rd