National Bank Open 2023: Canada's Fernandez beats Haddad Maia, advances to 3rd round

Leylah Fernandez is moving on at the National Bank Open, defeating Beatriz Haddad Maia 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in Montreal on Wednesday night.

The Canadian traded games with her Brazilian opponent through the first two sets, making the most of her break opportunities (5-for-7). Up five games to four in the second set, Fernandez had a chance to break Haddad Maia for match point, but let the advantage slip away.

"When I lost that match point, I was beating myself up, and then I lost the second set," Fernandez told reporters after the match. "I looked at my box, and they just told me to reset, and I'm glad I listened to them. At the end of the day, I just tried to enjoy the moment."

The 20-year-old once again struggled with her first serve, managing to put it in play on 60% of the time. She also double faulted on seven occasions, but did manage three aces to Haddad Maia's zero.

Fernandez strengthened her lead down the stretch with skillful play at the net, her confidence seemingly growing with every winner and subsequent roar from the centre court crowd.

The 2:55 match was the longest the women's draw has seen this year.

Fernandez will face American Danielle Collins in the third round.