Leylah Annie Fernandez advanced to the quarter-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open after a series of strong performances on clay, marking her return to the last eight of a major event nearly two years after Cincinnati. According to Tennis Canada, the Lavalloise had not reached the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event or Grand Slam since summer 2024.
How did Fernandez get past the early rounds?
Seeded 24th, Fernandez received a first-round bye and then defeated Julia Grabher in her opening match. She faced 15th-seeded teen sensation Iva Jovic in the third round and fought back from a set down to secure the victory. In the fourth round, she met Ann Li—who had advanced after Iga Swiatek retired from their previous-round match—and dispatched Li in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
How did other Canadians fare in Madrid?
Félix Auger-Aliassime was the only Canadian man to win in Madrid, defeating qualifier Vilius Gaubas in straight sets in his opening match. However, the Montrealer fell in the third round to rising Belgian star Alexander Blockx. Of the five seeded Canadians competing in singles, three lost their opening matches, including Victoria Mboko, who was upset by Caty McNally in the second round.
Sources
- Tennis Canada: Monday Digest: Fernandez Ends Drought in Madrid. Tennis Canada, 2026.
Reported from public sources.