(Monterrey) Quebec’s Leylah Annie Fernandez made haste by dismissing the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia in two sets of 6-1 and 6-4 to reach the final of the Monterrey tournament. She will face the Colombian Camila Osorio.
Updated yesterday at 10:24 p.m.
Second seed and 22and world racket, Fernandez quickly took a 3-0 lead in the first set by breaking her rival’s serve at the first opportunity. She allowed herself a second break in the sixth game to secure a comfortable 5-1 lead and serve for the set.
The clock showed just 22 minutes of play when the 19-year-old sensation pocketed the first set 6-1. Haddad Maia, 69and in the world, defended better in the second set, but lost her serve in the third set, paving the way for Fernandez to win it 6-4.
As she had done in the quarter-finals the day before, Fernandez was extremely efficient on the first serve in addition to being aggressive in return.
She still committed four double faults, the same number as her opponent. The Quebecer also obtained three aces against two for the Brazilian.
Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open finalist, is chasing a second career singles title on the WTA Tour. She will be entitled to a good challenge against Osorio who occupies the 44and world rank.
En route to Monterrey, Osorio knocked out tournament favorite Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the quarter-finals.
The 20-year-old is also on the hunt for a second career title on the WTA Tour. She triumphed at home in Bogota last year.