MusaLeylah Fernandez pulled off a performance for the ages in Washington, battling past Elena Rybakina in a three-hour, three-tiebreak masterpiece that had fans on the edge of their seats. The 22‑year‑old Canadian found herself down a set and facing defeat more than once, but her unwavering grit and never‑say‑die attitude shone through in a 6‑7(2), 7‑6(3), 7‑6(3) victory that booked her spot in the Washington Open final .
From the opening rally, it was clear that this semifinal wouldn’t follow the usual script. Both players held serve with authority through the first set, but Rybakina’s powerful groundstrokes and booming serve earned her a 7‑2 edge in the opening tiebreak. Fernandez, known for her court craft and quick hands, showed no signs of frustration—she simply adjusted, dug in, and kept her focus on every point.
The real drama unfolded in the second set, where Fernandez found herself trailing 5‑4 and staring down match point. Instead of folding under pressure, she summoned every ounce of belief, ripping a backhand winner to break serve and forcing another tiebreak. There, she raced to a quick lead, taking control with a mix of deft drop shots and deep passing shots that left Rybakina scrambling. When the dust settled, Fernandez had evened the match with a 7‑3 tiebreak win, proving that momentum can swing in an instant when you refuse to back down.
By the third set, the physical toll of over three hours of intense heat and relentless shot‑making was visible on both players. Yet, neither was willing to give an inch. Each service game became a mini‑battle, punctuated by booming aces and clutch returns. Fans rose to their feet as the tension mounted, fully aware they were witnessing something special. Once again, the set headed to a tiebreak, and once again, Fernandez seized the moments that mattered most—clinching key points with fearless aggression and calm nerves to secure a 7‑3 finish in the breaker.
Beyond the scoreline, Fernandez’s win was a testament to her mental toughness and evolving game. After reaching the 2021 U.S. Open final as a teenager, she’s matured into a formidable competitor on hard courts, blending power, touch, and strategic savvy. Her victory over Rybakina not only marked her biggest upset of the season but also underscored her growing ability to rise to the occasion when the spotlight is brightest.
Now, with the final awaiting—where she’ll face Anna Kalinskaya—Fernandez carries more than just the confidence of a tough win; she carries the momentum of a champion in the making. If this triple‑tiebreak thriller is any indication, the title match in Washington promises to be another must‑watch showdown.
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