Monterrey Open 2022: Leylah Fernandez vs Beatriz Haddad Maia preview, head-to-head & prediction

Leylah Fernandez (L) and Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Match details

Fixture: (2) Leylah Fernandez vs Beatriz Haddad Maia.

Tournament: Monterrey Open.

Date: 5 March 2022.

Round: Semifinal.

Venue: Monterrey, Mexico.

Category: WTA 250.

Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt.

Prize money: $235,238.

Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video.

Leylah Fernandez vs Beatriz Haddad Maia preview

Defending champion Leylah Fernandez will square off against Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia in the semifinals of the 2022 Monterrey Open on Saturday.

Fernandez kept her title defense alive with a 7-6(4), 6-4 win over Wang Qiang in the quarterfinals. The Canadian made a disappointing start to the match as she lost serve twice to trail 0-3. But she switched gears to level the score at 4-4.

The teenager held a set point on her opponent's serve while leading 6-5, but couldn't get the job done. Fernandez stayed solid in the ensuing tie-break though and won it without much fuss.

She held three break points in the first game of the second set but failed to capitalize. The Canadian eventually secured a break of serve in the fifth game of the set to take a 4-2 lead and held on to that advantage until the end of the match.

After an underwhelming campaign in Australia, including an opening-round exit from the season's first Grand Slam, Fernandez appears to be back to her best in Monterrey.

Leylah Fernandez 🇨🇦 clinched last SF spot beating Qiang Wang 🇨🇳 7-6(4) - 6-4 in 2:45 A.M. finish #AbiertoGNPSeguros

Beatriz Haddad Maia (R) at the 2022 Australian Open.

Beatriz Haddad Maia had a disappointing start to the year. She entered the tournament with a 1-4 win-loss record for the year, but has broken out of her slump in Monterrey.

Haddad Maia defeated Panna Udvardy and Wang Xinyu in the first couple of rounds. She saved three match points en route to a 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Marie Bouzkova in the quarterfinals.

3️⃣ match points saved
3️⃣ rd-set tiebreak
3️⃣ hour victory!

🇧🇷 Beatriz Haddad Maia bests Bouzkova to reach the Monterrey final four 👊

#AbiertoGNPSeguros https://t.co/700rJOBAWa

While her results in singles were not up to the mark at the start of the season, Haddad Maia did quite well in doubles. Along with partner Anna Danilina, she won the Sydney International and made the final of the Australian Open.

Leylah Fernandez vs Beatriz Haddad Maia head-to-head

This will be their first meeting on tour, so the head-to-head stands at 0-0 for now.

Leylah Fernandez vs Beatriz Haddad Maia prediction

Leylah Fernandez at the 2021 BNP Paribas Open.

After a slow start to the year, both players have found their form in Monterrey.

Fernandez's quarterfinal match ended just before 3 am, while Haddad Maia spent more than three hours on court. Hence, fatigue could be a factor in the semifinals.

Fernandez and Haddad Maia are left-handed players, which negates the natural advantage they have against the majority of the tour.

Haddad Maia, on her part, will be looking to move her opponent around the court in order to extract some errors. Fernandez, however, possesses great court coverage and is able to switch from defense to offense effortlessly.

The Canadian will aim to use her forehand to devastating effect. As the defending champion, she seems quite focused on the task at hand and should be able to overcome the challenge posed by the Brazilian.

Prediction: Leylah Fernandez to win in three sets.