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Leylah Fernandez news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Leylah Fernandez beat Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 to reach the US Open third round. She next faces Jessica Pegula, a rematch of their Washington final.
Background
Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, is building momentum at the 2026 US Open after straight-set wins over Zhang Shuai and Mananchaya Sawangkaew. She is seeded 31st and will face World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the third round, a rematch of their Washington final. Fernandez credited her younger sister Bianca for helping her stay grounded during the tournament.
How it unfolded
- Sep 2, 2026Fernandez defeated Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-2 in the first round.
- Sep 2, 2026Fernandez beat Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1 to reach the third round for the second straight year.
- Sep 4, 2026Fernandez is scheduled to face Jessica Pegula in the third round on Arthur Ashe.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Pegula called Fernandez 'unorthodox' and 'tricky' to play, acknowledging her as a tough opponent.
- Analysts
- Analysts note Fernandez's strong serve and form, but also point out she has not advanced past the third round in any major since 2022 except for a French Open quarterfinal.