Leylah Fernandez was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2026

 

Leylah Fernandez was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the Dubai Tennis Championships 2026 on Monday, falling 7-6 (5), 6-4 to Janice Tjen.

The 23-year-old from Laval, Quebec, recorded six aces during the match but also struggled with consistency, committing six double faults and winning only 39 per cent of her second-serve points. Tjen capitalized on key opportunities, converting four of nine break-point chances to secure a straight-set victory.

Fernandez’s early exit marks a disappointing turn in Dubai, where expectations were high given her previous performances on the WTA Tour. The loss will impact her ranking points and momentum as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, another Canadian, Rebecca Mboko, withdrew from the WTA 1000 event before her first-round match. Mboko’s withdrawal reduces Canada’s representation in the tournament and highlights the challenges players face with scheduling, injuries, and preparation.

The Dubai Tennis Championships continue to attract top international talent, and both Fernandez and Mboko had aimed to make deep runs. With Fernandez out and Mboko withdrawing, the Canadian contingent will now watch from the sidelines as other competitors advance.

Tjen’s victory over Fernandez demonstrates her composure in crucial moments and her ability to convert opportunities under pressure. For Fernandez, the focus will shift to recovery, training, and preparation for upcoming WTA events where she can regain form and confidence.

Canada’s hopes in Dubai were limited after these developments, but the season remains long, and players like Fernandez and Mboko will have multiple opportunities to make their mark in other tournaments, including upcoming WTA 500 and Grand Slam events.

Fernandez and Mboko’s experiences underscore the competitive depth of women’s tennis, where matches are often decided by a few critical points and consistency on serve and return. Fans will look forward to seeing how both athletes rebound in the weeks ahead.