Maya Joint Stuns Leylah Fernandez in Canadian Open Upset

In a surprising turn of events at the Canadian Open, Australian tennis player Maya Joint delivered a stunning performance, defeating local favorite Leylah Fernandez in the first round with a score of 6-4, 6-1. The match took place on July 30, 2025, in Montreal, where Fernandez, a former US Open finalist currently ranked 24th in the world, faced a significant setback following her recent victory at the DC Open in Washington, D.C. Joint's triumph marks a continuation of her impressive form this season, as she is already a two-time WTA title winner in 2025.

The Canadian Open, a significant event in the women's tennis calendar, witnessed Joint's decisive victory, which has been characterized as both surprising and indicative of her rising status in the sport. Joint's performance was particularly notable given her previous encounter with Fernandez in Washington, where she had lost in straight sets. This outcome has raised questions about Fernandez's preparedness and performance in front of her home crowd, especially after she had expressed concerns regarding the tournament scheduling.

Following the defeat, Fernandez voiced her frustration over what she described as 'political issues' surrounding the scheduling of matches at the Canadian Open. She had anticipated playing in the night session to allow for additional rest after her previous tournament but ultimately found herself playing during the day. 'That hurt me because I was very looking forward to playing at night,' Fernandez remarked, emphasizing her disappointment with the scheduling decisions made by tournament officials.

Montreal tournament director Valerie Tetreault confirmed that she had promised Fernandez to advocate for her scheduling preferences but acknowledged that the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) ultimately dictated the match timings. Tetreault stated, 'I understand Leylah’s concerns, and I will continue to fight for the players’ wishes whenever possible, but scheduling is largely out of our control.'

In contrast to Fernandez's struggles, top-seeded Coco Gauff managed to advance through her match, albeit after a challenging encounter with American Danielle Collins. Gauff, who played in the night session, won the match 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2) and will now face McCartney Kessler in the next round. Gauff's resilience under pressure is notable, as she navigated a potentially disastrous situation against Collins, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of tournament play.

The Canadian Open continues to draw attention not only for its competitive matches but also for the narratives surrounding its players. Joint's victory over Fernandez and Gauff's narrow escape highlight the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of women's tennis. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing whether Joint can maintain her momentum against Kessler, with a potential clash against rising star Mirra Andreeva looming should she advance further.

As this year's Canadian Open unfolds, it remains a focal point for discussions about player scheduling, competitive fairness, and the broader implications of tournament organization in professional tennis. The outcomes of these matches will not only influence individual player rankings but also contribute to the ongoing discourse regarding the treatment and support of athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.