Fernandez defeats Zheng Qinwen to make Doha quarterfinals
Leylah Fernandez secures a spot in the Qatar TotalEnergies Open quarterfinals after defeating Zheng Qinwen in a thrilling match.
Fernandez's Victory over Zheng Qinwen
Leylah Fernandez achieved her second win against Zheng Qinwen, advancing to the quarterfinals of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open. In a match that lasted 1 hour and 32 minutes, Fernandez secured a 7-5, 6-3 victory over the No. 5 seed.
This is not the first time Fernandez has faced Zheng, as she previously defeated her in the second round of Monterrey 2022. Fernandez's victory in that match ultimately led her to win the Hologic WTA Tour title. In the recent matchup, Fernandez made a remarkable comeback after being 5-3 down in the first set, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Fernandez's Top 10 Win
This win marked Fernandez's sixth career victory over a Top 10 player. She had previously defeated Marketa Vondrousova in the Billie Jean King Cup semifinals. Fernandez's previous Top 10 wins were either in Billie Jean King Cup matches or at the 2021 US Open where she was the runner-up.
Fernandez's current ranking of No. 38 reflects her recent resurgence. After being ranked as low as No. 95 in July, she has climbed the rankings with consistent performances. Her win in Hong Kong last October also contributed to her rise in the rankings. This quarterfinal appearance in Doha is her fourth at WTA 1000 level or above.
Next Match: Fernandez vs. Rybakina
In the next round, Fernandez will face No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina. This will be their first meeting on the court, adding excitement to the matchup. Rybakina secured her place in the quarterfinals after defeating Emma Navarro in a thrilling three-set match.
The quarterfinal clash between Fernandez and Rybakina promises to be an intense battle for a spot in the semifinals. Both players have been in good form and will be eager to continue their winning streaks.
