Leila Fernandez, the finalist of the US Open in 2021, was defeated by the Russian Mirra Andreeva (15 years old) in the first round of the “WTA 1000” competition in Madrid.

Leila Fernandez was defeated by Mirra Andreeva at the WTA in Madrid

In her first match at the WTA tournament, Andreeva defeated the Canadian Fernandez (49 WTA) in two sets with a score of 6-3, 6-4.

Mirra (194 WTA, wildcard beneficiary) will play in the next round against Brazil’s Beatrice Haddad Maia (14 WTA, favorite 13).

Andreeva (who will turn 16 on April 29) already has 19 wins this year and won two ITF W60 tournaments in Switzerland: she won in Chiasso (where she also beat Aleksandra Kadantsa-Ignatic) and in Bellinzona.

The player from Russia has only one loss in 2023: (2)6-7, 6-4, 7-5 against Alina Korneeva (Australian Open junior final).

The WTA Mutua Madrid Open takes place from April 25 to May 7 on clay in the Caja Magica complex. It is in the WTA 1000 category, has a total prize money of US$7,652,174, and the title holder is Ons Jabert. Simona Halep won in 2016 and 2017.