Leylah Annie Fernandez of Montreal, Quebec delivered a minor upset in the first round of the 2026 Wuhan Open in China. On Sunday night in western Canada (and Monday in China), Fernandez defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. In the WTA rankings, Alexandrova is ranked 24th in the world, and Fernandez is ranked 25th in the world.
Fernandez’s first round match against Alexandrova lasted two hours and 26 minutes. Fernandez had the statistical advantage when in came to the serve. Fernandez had eight aces and five double faults, and Alexandrova had one ace and nine double faults. Fernandez also only had 20 unforced errors and Alexandrova had 47 unforced errors.
This was the second time in five meetings that Fernandez beat Alexandrova. Fernandez’s previous win came in the first round of Adelaide in 2022, where Fernandez won 6-3, 6-4.
Fernandez’s claim to fame in her tennis career was reaching the final of the 2021 United States Open. She has had a fine fall on the WTA Tour this year too. Last month she won the 2026 Singapore Open, as she defeated Talia Gibson of Australia 7-5, 6-0 in the final.
Next up for Fernandez in the second round of Wuhan is China’s Han Shi. This will be their first ever meeting head-to-head.
