‘I remember my dad used him as an example’ Leylah Fernandez reveals NBA legend Steve Nash’s importance growing up, invites him for a tennis match


‘I remember my dad used him as an example’ Leylah Fernandez reveals NBA legend Steve Nash’s importance growing up, invites him for a tennis match

Steve Nash and Leylah Fernandez

Canadian teen sensation Leylah Fernandez has been the find of the 2021 US Open so far. The 19-year old has tackled every obstacle thrown in her way and has reached the final of the US Open. Before this tournament, she had just won 4 main draw matches at majors in 6 appearances.

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To put things into perspective, she has beaten three top 5 players- defending champion Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka en route the final and also got the better of former world no.1 and 2016 US Open winner, Angelique Kerber.

Fernandez stunned second seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinal and during the match, she had NBA legend and Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash was present in Leylah’s box.

Leylah addressed him in her post match interview. “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.”

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She revealed how her dad used Nash as an example during trainings. “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,” she said.

At the end she even invited Nash for a tennis match too.

All-teenage US Open final

Leylah Annie Fernandez and Emma Raducanu
Leylah Annie Fernandez and Emma Raducanu

For the first time since the 1999 US Open, an all-teenage US Open final will be played between Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu on Saturday. Fernandez has overcame the toughest of the draws and has shown immense mental strength to reach the final. Her last 4 matches have all gone down the distance.

On the contrary, Raducanu has been the most dominant player this tournament and hasn’t yet dropped a set. Interestingly, she has played three qualifying matches more than Fernandez but has less court time, reinstating her dominance.

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Also read: ‘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