Fernandez cruises into 3rd round of National Bank Open, Raonic also advances

It took just under three hours for Leylah Fernandez to qualify for the round of 16 in front of her hometown crowd after beating Beatriz Haddad Maia 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 at IGA Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Fernandez will now face of Danielle Collins in the round of 16.

"I was able to get to a point today where I was feeling more in control, and that's what we want so I was able to execute the game plan," said Fernandez. "I think the adrenalin plays a big part of it. I know the work that I've been putting in during training and fitness sessions. When we hit the two-hour mark I thought `I can play one more hour."'

Haddad Maia, the 11th seed in the tournament, started the match on the front foot, using her power to push Fernandez back and breaking her serve after a series of unforced errors in the first game.

As Fernandez regained her composure, Haddad Maia's double fault on break point brought the score level.

Fernandez then extended her advantage during the first set, making several impressive shots along the sideline, breaking Haddad Maia's serve for the second time in a row.

WATCH l Fernandez tops 11th seed Haddad Maia of Brazil:

After being broken herself for the second time as the score returned to equal footing, Fernandez continued utilizing her speed and accuracy to her advantage. She would break Haddad Maia and go on to win the set as the crowd exploded with cheers.

"Playing on Stadium Court and it was practically a night match so I got to experience the fans cheering me on and I was just so happy I got to play in Montreal," said Fernandez

The Brazilian was quick to reply with a break of her own, forcing multiple errors from Fernandez and winning the ensuing game tie the set at three games apiece.

As the second set wound down and the two continued to trace service games, Fernandez found herself on the verge of breaking Haddad Maia and at match point. However, the latter survived and then went on to win a crucial break herself, forcing a third and decisive set.

"When I lost that match point, I was beating myself up and then I lost the second set I thought 'it's going to be hard so let's fight,"' said Fernandez. "At the end of the day I was just trying to enjoy the moment."

As the set rolled along and both players traded serves, Fernandez was the first to take and advantage and broke Haddad Maia, setting up a potential match-winning set. Once there, she made no mistake and closed out the match.

Milos Raonic did not expect to perform as well as he did Wednesday.