“I was able to showcase all the sacrifices I’ve made the past year,” Leylah Fernandez reacts after continuing her dream run at US Open 2021
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Leylah Fernandez
Leylah Fernandez continued her dream run at US Open 2021, by storming into the semifinals at Flushing Meadows. It was yet another hard fought victory over the teenage sensation, as she defeated the fifth seed, Elina Svitolina in three sets in the quarterfinals.
Leylah Fernandez stated that her match against Svitolina was certainly one of her toughest matches, both mentally and physically. The Canadian had won the first set, but the fifth seed fought back to win the second set. It all boiled down to the final set, where Fernandez emerged victorious in the tiebreaker.
“Well, today’s match was definitely one of the hardest, not only tennis-wise but also mentally and emotionally. Svitolina is a great player, great fighter. I was glad I was able to fight in the first set. In the second set she upped her level and I unfortunately made a few mistakes on key moments,” said Fernandez.
“I’m glad I was able to recuperate for the third set. The tiebreaker, too. A little bit lucky at 5-All, but I’ll take all the luck I can get. I was glad I was able to push through the finish line,” she added.
We want to make an impact in tennis: Leylah Fernandez on the younger generation making a mark at US Open 2021
US Open 2021 has seen several teenage sensations leave their mark on the biggest stages. 18-year-old, Emma Raducanu also reached the quarterfinals, where she faces Belinda Bencic. From the men’s section, Carlos Alcaraz was forced to retire from his quarterfinal match, due to an unfortunate injury.
Leylah Fernandez stated that the younger generations wanted to make an impact on the biggest stages, and the US Open 2021 proves that they are heading into the right direction.
“I think we’re all just super hungry to make a difference in the tennis world. I’ve known a few of them from the junior tours. We’ve always talked about and joked around that we’re going to be in the WTA Tour, we’re going to be on the big stage together. I’m just glad that we’re doing such great jobs and doing just that,” said the Canadian.
“We want to make a difference. We want to make an impact in tennis. This tournament just proves how well we’re adapting to everything,” she added.
Leylah Fernandez has become the centre of attraction at US Open this year, and she stated that initially, it was tough to handle the limelight. However, she expressed gratitude to her team, who has helped her take one thing at a time, and not get too overwhelmed with the situation.
“Well, the first few days it was definitely a little bit hard. Like I said, I’ve been very lucky to have a great team around me. I was very lucky to have doubles the next day to keep me grounded. Now I feel like I’m a little bit more used to it,” said Fernandez.
“Like I said, I have a great team around me who helps me keeping my head a little bit level and just think about my next match, not think about all the good things that are happening to me,” she added.
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Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)