In an exciting opening round at the Dubai Championships, Canada’s Leylah Fernandez secured a notable victory against Russia’s 13th seed, Liudmila Samsonova. The match, which took place on February 15, 2026, showcased Fernández’s resilience and skill, ending with a scoreline of 5-7, 7-5, 6-3.
Match Highlights
During the 2-hour and 52-minute match, Fernandez delivered an impressive performance with seven aces. She faced challenges but displayed strong determination, saving 10 out of 13 break points against her. Her ability to convert on four out of nine break-point opportunities played a crucial role in her success.
Samsonova’s Struggles
Liudmila Samsonova, despite her seeding, struggled throughout the match. She recorded four aces along with five double faults. With this loss, Samsonova’s record this season in three-set matches dropped to 0-5.
Upcoming Matches
Following her victory, Leylah Fernandez will advance to face Janice Tjen from Indonesia in the next round on Monday. Additionally, Canadian player Victoria Mboko, who is seeded 11th, is set to compete against Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian on the same day.
- Winner: Leylah Fernandez
- Opponent: Liudmila Samsonova
- Match Duration: 2 hours 52 minutes
- Aces by Fernandez: 7
- Break Points Saved by Fernandez: 10/13
- Next Opponent: Janice Tjen
This match marked a significant moment for Fernandez in the Dubai Championships, demonstrating her potential against higher-ranked competitors. Fans will be eager to see how she performs in the upcoming rounds.
