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Match details
Fixture: Leylah Fernandez vs Viktorija Golubic
Date: 21 March 2021
Tournament: Abierto GNP Seguros 2021
Round: Final
Venue: Monterrey, Mexico
Category: WTA 250
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize money: $235,238
Match timing: 4.30 pm local time, 4 am IST
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel
Leylah Fernandez vs Viktorija Golubic preview
Teenage phenom Leylah Fernandez will be looking to win her first career title when she takes on Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic in the Monterrey final on Sunday.
Fernandez is one of the most promising teenagers on the WTA tour right now. Already in the top 100, the 18-year-old made waves last year in what was her first full season. Fernandez reached her first ever final at Acapulco 2020, where she lost to Great Brtiain's Heather Watson.
But the COVID-enforced break took away Fernandez's momentum; the Canadian failed to win more than two matches at any tournament after the tour resumption. That was before Monterrey, of course; Fernandez has had a good week at the WTA 250 event so far, and has not dropped a single set en route the finals.
She confirmed her place in the title clash with a comprehensive win over Spain's Sara Sorribes Tomo, who had won the Guadalajara Open a week ago. Now standing between Fernandez and a maiden career title is Viktorija Golubic, who happens to be a veteran on the WTA tour.
Ranked 102nd in the rankings, Golubic competes primarily on the ITF circuit these days. That said, the World No. 51 has been thoroughly impressive in the last two tournaments she has entered, reaching the finals in Lyon and now Monterrey.
Golubic's low ranking meant she had to go through qualifying just to play in the main draw. The Swiss not only qualified for the tournament, but also went on to beat eighth-seeded Ann Li, Russia's Anna Blinkova and USA's Lauren Davis to reach the final.
Leylah Fernandez vs Viktorija Golubic head-to-head
The championship match in Monterrey will be the first career meeting between Leylah Fernandez and Viktorija Golubic on the WTA tour, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Leylah Fernandez vs Viktorija Golubic prediction
Leylah Fernandez is mature beyond her years when it comes to the fundamentals of the game. The Canadian has solid footwork and groundstrokes, and is always on her toes when she is returning serve.
During her semifinal match against Sorribes Tomo, the 18-year-old completely dominated her opponent's serve. At one point in the match she had won more than 50% of the points on both the first and the second serve of the Spaniard.
Viktorija Golubic is not as clinical as Fernandez on the return, but her experience on the tour will likely hold her in good stead on Sunday. The 28-year-old, who has a single-handed backhand, hits heavy groundstrokes off both wings and will be looking to target Fernandez's underdeveloped serve with deep returns.
Golubic does have an inconsistent serve though, which is something that the young Canadian will look to capitalise on.
Prediction: Leylah Fernandez to win in straight sets.
