Leylah Fernandez advanced to the round of 32 at the Dubai Championship 2026 after a hard-fought victory lasting over two hours.
The Canadian player battled against Liudmila Samsonova at the Aviation Club Tennis Center in Qatar, ultimately prevailing in a three-set match that spanned two hours and 52 minutes. This tournament is a key stop on the WTA tour, offering significant ranking points and prize money.
Samsonova took the first set with a close 7-5 scoreline, as both athletes showcased their skills and competed fiercely for each point.
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Fernandez responded strongly in the second set, securing a 7-5 victory of her own in another tightly contested battle. The match continued to provide exciting rallies and dramatic shifts in momentum.
As fatigue set in, the deciding set initially appeared to be heading for a swift conclusion. Fernandez raced to a 5-0 lead, but Samsonova mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to 3-5.
after a grueling two hours and 52 minutes, Fernandez secured her place in the round of 32. This win propels her into a matchup against Janice Tjen, who previously qualified for the round of 32 with a dominant 2-0 (6-4, 6-1) victory over Dayana Yastremska.
The upcoming match against Fernandez presents a significant challenge for Tjen. Fernandez is currently ranked 23rd in the world and reached the US Open final in 2021, where she was defeated by Emma Raducanu.
The 23-year-old is known for her impressive stamina, potentially forcing Tjen into a prolonged contest. This will be a serious test for Tjen, who holds the 57th position in the WTA rankings.
The clash between Janice Tjen and Leylah Fernandez is scheduled for Monday, February 16th. Can Tjen overcome this hurdle and advance to the next round of this level 1.000 tournament? Her best previous result in the competition was reaching the first round.
(abs)
