Leylah Annie Fernandez fell to Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the opening round of the China Open in Beijing on October 3, just three days after claiming her sixth career title in Singapore. The match lasted two hours 33 minutes and saw Rakhimova convert five of 11 break-point opportunities to advance.
Why the loss stings
Fernandez had momentum entering Beijing after defeating Australia's Talia Gibson 7-5, 6-0 in the Singapore final on Sunday. Despite receiving a first-round bye at the China Open, the Laval native could not build on that success, struggling particularly with her second-serve performance. According to RDS, Rakhimova won 64 per cent of points on her second serve, compared to just 35 per cent for Fernandez.
How the match unfolded
Fernandez created two break-point chances in the fourth game of the third set to take control, but Rakhimova held firm. Rakhimova broke back immediately in the next game to lead 3-2, then sealed the victory with her fifth break of the match. Rakhimova, ranked No. 76, will face American Iva Jovic (No. 13) in the third round.
Sources
- RDS: Fernandez éliminée d'entrée à Pékin. Published October 3, 2026.
- La Presse: Omnium de Chine Leylah Annie Fernandez s'incline d'entrée de jeu. Published October 3, 2026.
Reported from public sources.