Motivated Fernandez Brings Canadian Contingent to Their Feet Again

After cruising through her opener against Renata Zarazua, the Lavalloise’s next match was set to be a significant test – meeting Roland-Garros champion and world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva.

However, with the home crowd behind her, no task was too tall. The world No. 34 was locked in from the start, committing just four unforced errors in the first as she wrapped up the set in half an hour. 

Fernandez maintained the level into the beginning of the second, breaking Andreeva back-to-back times to gain a 3-0 advantage before eventually serving out the set on the second try. The Canadian No. 2 won 89 per cent of her first-serve points in the victory.

“It was definitely a tough match. I knew coming in it was going to be physical. The key for me was to stay positive, stay strong, and to keep being patient. She wasn't going to give away easy balls,” Fernandez said in a post-match press conference on Aug. 7 in Toronto. “In the beginning there were a lot of long rallies, and that was a key for me to kind of stick with it, trusting in my abilities, and to continue playing my game throughout the match.”

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The win was Fernandez’s biggest of the season so far and first against a Top 5 player since her Washington title run last year. 

Motivation was at every corner ahead of her round-three contest. The Lavalloise entered the match as the only Canuck left across the NBO men’s and women’s singles draw, saying, “of course, hearing that I'm the lone Canadian, there's a little bit of pressure, also a lot more motivation and reasons to keep going in the path that I'm on.” 

Then, there’s the desire to perform in front of her friends and family, as well as the Canadian crowd. The Canuck’s best NBO result was the round of 16 in 2023. Now, she’s one win away from going the farthest she has been at her home tournament.

“I have so much motivation this week. Not only because I'm playing here in Canada, but also because the crowd has just been super amazing. They motivate me so much in fighting and keeping disciplined and putting on a good show,” Fernandez said. 

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“Another reason is also playing in front of my friends and family, getting to see them after matches, and also hanging out with them has always been so much fun. These are the people that I haven't seen in a long time, so kind of going back to where it all started, playing in front of them, having fun, giggling and laughing, it always means so much to me. These are the reasons that motivate me a lot.”

Fernandez was scheduled second in Centre Court’s day session on Friday, after playing at night for her opening match. Despite some disappointment, the Canadian used that as fuel ahead of the third round.

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“I found out about the scheduling a little bit yesterday, and I was a little bit upset because of course I love to play evening, especially here in Canada,” Fernandez said. “My team and I just said like, ‘got to win to get an evening match,’ so hopefully next round we get an evening match. But if not, I just do hope that the fans can come out and have another full, packed stadium.”

Although it has not yet been confirmed whether Fernandez will be playing under the lights at Centre Court for her next match, there is sure to be another passionate Canadian contingent. The Canuck now prepares for world No. 13 Naomi Osaka on Sunday.

The WTA's best return to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo : Morgan Givens/Wick Photography for National Bank Open