Leylah Fernandez voices frustration over tight schedule after D.C. Open win, exits National Bank Open early in Montreal following straight-sets defeat.
Fernandez Falls Early in Montreal Following D.C. Open Win
Leylah Fernandez, Canada’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, exited the National Bank Open in Montreal on Tuesday, just two days after winning the D.C. Open. The 22-year-old from Laval, Quebec, fell 6-4, 6-1 to Australia’s Maya Joint in the first round and expressed dissatisfaction with the tournament scheduling that gave her little recovery time between events.
Rapid Turnaround Draws Player’s Ire
Fernandez had hoped to play during Tuesday’s night session to gain additional rest after traveling from Washington, D.C., where she captured her fourth career WTA title on Sunday. Instead, she was scheduled for an earlier match, a decision she found both physically taxing and professionally frustrating.
“I did not receive what was promised,” said Fernandez, pointing to “political issues” in the scheduling process. “That hurt me because I was very much looking forward to playing at night.”
Tournament Officials Cite WTA Protocol
Valérie Tetreault, tournament director in Montreal, confirmed that she had advocated for Fernandez to play in the evening, but was overruled by WTA scheduling policies. “I pushed as much as possible for her to have what she wanted,” Tetreault said. “But I have to follow protocol.”
Tennis Canada backed this explanation, stating that first-round matches must conclude before second-round play begins. Because Fernandez arrived in Montreal in the early hours of Monday morning, the WTA chose the latest available first-round slot — still earlier than Fernandez had requested.
Poor Performance Reflects Fatigue
The quick turnaround appeared to take a toll on Fernandez’s performance. She struggled with six break-point losses and landed only 49% of her first serves. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Joint controlled the pace, winning 62 of 109 total points to secure victory in just 74 minutes.
Injury Withdrawals Compound Canadian Woes
Fernandez’s early exit was part of a disappointing day for Canadian tennis fans. Bianca Andreescu withdrew from the tournament after suffering a left ankle injury during her opening-round win. The 25-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, later revealed she had torn ligaments but hopes to return for the Cincinnati Open.
“I even screamed out like, ‘Why does this keep happening to me?’” said a visibly emotional Andreescu. “It’s just crazy. I’m trying to stay positive but it’s getting really tough.”
Additional Canadian Setbacks
Rebecca Marino of Vancouver also bowed out Tuesday, losing 6-1, 6-2 to No. 8 seed Emma Navarro. Marino failed to capitalize on break opportunities and managed just 23% of points on her second serve.
In the men’s draw, 18-year-old Canadian Nicolas Arseneault was defeated by Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 7-6(7), 6-3. Meanwhile, Richmond Hill’s Denis Shapovalov is set to compete later Tuesday with a third-round spot at stake.
Looking Ahead
While Fernandez’s frustration underscores ongoing concerns over scheduling in professional tennis, the National Bank Open continues with marquee players like Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva, and Lorenzo Musetti still in action. Whether Fernandez will bounce back in time for her next tournament remains to be seen — but her message to tennis organizers was loud and clear.
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