Teen sensation Leylah Fernandez’s dream run continues at the 2021 US Open continues, upsets Angelique Kerber

Teen sensation Leylah Fernandez’s dream run continues at the 2021 US Open continues, upsets Angelique Kerber

Leylah Fernandez and Angelique Kerber

In probably the biggest match of her short career, 18-year old Canadian Leylah Fernandez pulled off yet another upset, beating 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber in the Round of 16 at the 2021 US Open. The Canadian came from a set down to beat Kerber in three sets 4-6,7-6(5),6-2 to reach her maiden grand slam quarterfinal.

In the third round, Fernandez shocked defending champion Naomi Osaka in a thrilling 3-set match to set up a date with Kerber. She came with a nothing to lose mindset in the fourth round tie and to the crowd’s delight, delivered. However, the Canadian looked nervous at start and took some time to settle her nerves.

Kerber took advantage of Fernandez’s slow movement at the start and sneaked away with a break. She capitalized the break with a solid hold and eventually ran away with the set 6-4.

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The second set was one of the best sets of tennis this week at New York. Both the players were on song on serve and were engaging in some long rallies. The crowd was getting behind both the players which created an electrifying atmosphere for tennis. The roller coaster set went into the tiebreaker in the end, and dropping 5 points, Fernandez won it and forced a decider.

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The third set saw a fired up Canadian and Kerber had no answers for her baseline strokes. She had the crowd’s backing and took full advantage of that atmosphere, hitting winners left, right and centre. She soon had a double break’s advantage to her name and stormed away with the set 6-2.

On Tuesday, Fernandez will play her maiden grandslam quarterfinal against Elina Svitolina.

Also read: “Novak is the big favorite,” Alexander Zverev downplays his chances at US Open 2021