The electrifying atmosphere was felt all around the central square on Wednesday night, but especially on the ground, where Leylah Annie Fernandez and Beatriz Haddad Maia fought constantly for almost three hours.
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Although the Quebecer felt all the love from the fans, her rival was the privileged witness.
“I think it’s a very positive moment, especially for Leylah who is young. “We are in a women’s game in an almost full stadium, which means a lot for women’s tennis,” Haddad Maia said at a press conference.
“I’m very proud of the tournament because there are a lot of people coming to cheer us on, not just the Canadian players. It’s really special to feel the energy even though it was against me today [mercredi]but I know I had several Canadians behind me last year,” she added.
The 11th and 12th seeded team reached the final in Toronto last summer, losing to Romania’s Simona Halep. On their way to the ultimate encounter, Haddad Maia crossed paths with Fernandez, whom she defeated 7-6 (4), 6-1 in the second round.
Earlier this year, Leylah won the first meeting between the two players in Mexico 6-1, 6-4.
Beatriz Haddad Maia was disappointed after losing to Leylah Annie Fernandez in the second round of the National Bank Open in Montreal on Wednesday. Photo QMI Agency, JOEL LEMAY
“She deserves it”
This time it was the 20-year-old who prevailed against the experienced 27-year-old.
“Leylah played better. I think she deserved it because she was more aggressive and in difficult times she was better than me,” admitted the 1.80m Brazilian with great sportsmanship, disappointed with the end of the game.
“I wish him all the best for the future. It’s special for them to play at home,” concluded Haddad Maia, who made her debut at the National Bank Open in Montreal.