Leylah Fernandez reached the fourth round at the WTA Toronto Masters after a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over Mirra Andreeva in 80 minutes. The victory snapped a losing streak against top-10 players for the Canadian, who last beat a high-ranked opponent during the 2022 WTA Washington tournament by defeating fourth seed Jessica Pegula.
Rybakina advances
Elena Rybakina, the world number two and 2022 Wimbledon and Australian Open champion, moved into the fourth round with a 6-2, 7-5 win over American 28th seed Ann Li in 90 minutes. Rybakina saved two of four break points and converted five of six break chances. She will now face Liudmila Samsonova, who leads their career head-to-head 4-2, including a win in last year's Strasbourg final. Rybakina stayed composed to overcome a tough challenge and secure her place in the next stage.
Upcoming matches
Fernandez is set to play Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion and 11th seed from Japan, who defeated Elise Mertens 6-1, 6-2 in 71 minutes. Osaka earned seven aces and converted four of eight break points. 'There aren't many lefties on tour, so it takes me awhile to adjust. She has a great attitude. She always keeps fighting. I really appreciate that about her.'
US fourth seed Coco Gauff advanced with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Maria Sakkari in 76 minutes. Gauff held a 5-1 lead in the second set, but Sakkari nearly clawed her way back. However, Gauff sealed the win with a backhand volley and a service winner. 'She definitely raised her level at the end of the second set, but I'm glad I could close it out,' said Gauff, who will next face Alina Korneeva, who recently upset Iva Jovic.
Alexandra Eala from the Philippines reached the fourth round by defeating Caty McNally in a three-set match, 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. The match lasted two hours and 39 minutes, with Eala receiving ankle treatment in the second set. The 21-year-old, who claimed her first WTA title last week, will face Belinda Bencic, who outlasted Taylor Townsend after a grueling three-hour and 24-minute match with a final score of 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.
Fernandez's win over Andreeva was built on key moments. The left-hander won 24 of 27 first-serve points and took 17 of 23 second-serve points from Andreeva. The Russian struggled, with 34 unforced errors compared to just 17 winners. 'She wasn't going to give away easy balls.' She also added, 'I've put in the work. I know I can endure long rallies. So if it's going to take 100 balls to break her down, then so be it.'
Rybakina displayed top-level form against Li. The match tested Rybakina's endurance, but she remained calm under pressure and capitalized on critical moments to win the contest.
Coco Gauff continued her strong performance in Toronto. The American, seeded fourth, faced a resilient Sakkari who nearly turned the match in the second set. Gauff's composure under pressure and ability to close out the match highlights her growing confidence. Her next opponent, Korneeva, is a rising player who defeated a top seed in her previous match.
Eala, the 21-year-old from the Philippines, showed great focus in her win over McNally despite a physical challenge. Her next match against Bencic will test her skills against a versatile and accomplished player. If Eala hopes to advance further, she'll need to bring her best form to the court.