Guadalajara Open: Kenin finishes strong to oust Fernandez

American Sofia Kenin reached the semi-finals of the Guadalajara Open Akron by winning against Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-1 on Thursday evening.

Despite being out-served by Fernandez for large chunks of the two hour, 47 minute match, Kenin was able to make the most of her opportunities against the world No 74, capitalising on six of seven break point chances. Fernandez was impressive on serve, powering down 15 aces and winning just short of 75 percent of her first serves, a big part of how she was able to fight back and win the second set.

Kenin, ranked No 53, will play the winner of the match between Italian Martina Trevisan and American Caroline Dolehide next.

Earlier in the tournament, the American beat Canadian qualifier Carol Zhao (6-4, 6-3), Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina, the No 12 seed (6-2, 7-6 (5)) and Latvian Jelena Ostapenko, the No 6 seed (6-4, 7-5). Meanhwile, Fernandez, ranked No 74, won against American qualifier Asia Muhammad (6-1, 6-3), Belgian Elise Mertens, the No 13 seed (6-3, 6-4) and American Emma Navarro (6-2, 6-3) in the previous rounds.