“You’ll never make it in tennis,” US Open 2021 finalist, Leylah Fernandez reveals the phrase that has kept her going


“You’ll never make it in tennis,” US Open 2021 finalist, Leylah Fernandez reveals the phrase that has kept her going

Leylah Annie Fernandez

Leylah Fernandez stormed into the finals of US Open 2021, with a three set victory over the second seed, Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. This is the Canadian’s fourth-straight three sets victory in the past week, as she has come a long way at the Flushing Meadowa.

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The 19-year-old tennis prodigy won the first set in the semifinals, but Aryna Sabalenka stormed back into the match by winning the second set. Like she has done it before, the Canadian held her nerve in the final set as she booked a spot in the finals, where she faces another teenage sensation, Emma Raducanu.

Leylah Fernandez’s dream run started with a straight sets victory over Ana Konjuh in the first round. She defeated four time Grandslam champion, Naomi Osaka in the third round, followed by a three set win over three time major champion, Angelique Kerber in the fourth round. She toppled the fifth seed, Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals, before defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.

Leylah Fernandez reveals what her teacher told her about tennis

Leylah Fernandez revealed that her teacher advised her to stop playing tennis, and just focus on school. However, the Canadian did otherwise, and had belief in herself that she was going to make it as a tennis player one day.

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A teacher told me to stop playing tennis, you’ll never make it, just focus on school. I’m glad she told me that b/c every day I have that phrase in my head saying: I’m going to keep going, push through, prove to her everything I’ve dreamed of I’m going to achieve,” Leylah said.

Leylah Fernandez will earn a huge leap in the WTA Rankings, as she will move to the world number 27 position if she ends as the runner-up. However, she can replace Bianca Andreescu as the top ranked Canadian, if she is able to win the title. If she wins the final, Leylah Fernandez will break into the top 20, by being ranked on the 19th spot.

Also Read: US Open 2021 Final: Emma Raducanu vs Leylah Fernandez LIVE stream: When, Where, and How to Watch