‘I really wanted it, That’s years and years and years for hardwork, tears, blood and sacrifices,’ Leylah Fernandez emotional after her semifinal victory at US Open 2021
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Leylah Fernandez
World No.73 Leylah Fernandez’s dream run at the 2021 US Open continued as she beat yet another top 10 player, World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal in three sets 7-6(3),4-6,6-4 to reach her maiden major final. Rightly so, the young Canadian was delighted with her victory after the match.
When asked how did she manage to beat Aryna, the 19-year old was in disbelief and said, “I have no idea!”
She then thanked the NYC crowd and credited them for the support. “I’d say thanks to the New York crowd. They’ve helped me today, they’ve cheered for me and they never gave up on me. And thanks to you, I was able to win. Thank you New York!”
Fernandez emphasized that there is no secret to her success and this is only due to her hardwork and sacrifices. “That’s years and years and years for hardwork and tears and blood.. everything on court, off court, sacrifices and I just wanted to be in the final. I really wanted it and I fought for every point,” she said.
“Aryna just fought for the same thing and I don’t know how I got the last point but I’m glad I’m in the final.”
Leylah celebrated her 19th birthday 4 days ago on September 6. When asked what was the best gift she received, Leylah said, “I can’t decide, there’s too many things that’s happening right now that I love.”
“I was able to meet Billie Jean King, I was able to meet Juan Martin Del Potro, Steve Nash is on my box! I thank you for coming, my whole family’s here cheering for me. So I can’t decide.”
‘I remember my dad used Steve Nash as an example’: Leylah Fernandez
Canadian basketball star and Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash was present in Leylah’s box during the semifinal. The 19-year old revealed how big a role model he was for her growing up.
She said: “It’s a huge inspiration. I remember my dad used him as an example one time for a whole month telling us we got to work, got to fight hard just like Steve Nash and that’s an honour to have you here watching me and cheering for me.”
Going ahead, she will play another teenager, Emma Raducanu in the final on Saturday but she said that she will just enjoy her victory for a day and leave the planning to her dad- who is also her coach.
“Right at this moment, I’m just gonna enjoy my victory today with my whole team and gonna worry about it tomorrow and leave my dad to do the whole planning and strategies!”
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Lakshya Chopra
(2648 Articles Published)