Leylah Fernandez admits her rise hasn’t gone as hoped following her outstanding 2021 US Open run but also highlights that she is still very young and determined to reach the biggest heights.
Just over three years ago, then-the 18-year-old Canadian entered the US Open ranked at No. 77 in the world and she absolutely wasn’t regarded as a contender for the title or someone who could make a deep run at Flushing Meadows that year. But when the tournament started, the Canadian completed a couple of upset wins over Grand Slam winners and star players. That list includes Naomi Osaka (3R), Angelique Kerber (R16), Elina Svitolina (QF) and Aryna Sabalenka (SF).
Unfortunately for Fernandez, her fairytale run wasn’t capped off with the title after Emma Raducanu – who was also 18 at the time – handed her a 6-4 6-3 loss in the final. That year, the Briton was a qualifier and she made history becoming the first-ever qualifier to win a Major.
Following the 2021 US Open final, both the Canadian and Raducanu were tipped to do major great things and quickly establish themselves as one of the best in the game. But so far, it hasn’t happened for either of the two.
When it specifically comes to Fernandez, she has won two WTA 250 titles since and her only notable at the Grand Slam level since 2022 has been a quarterfinal appearance at the 2022 French Open.
Also, it should be noted that the current world No. 32 – who turned 22 in September – battled injuries and inconsistency.
“The progression as a player hasn’t been straightforward, with a lot of ups and downs. There have been some changes in my game that I didn’t want, but I just had to keep learning and growing. Because of those experiences I’ve been able to learn more about myself as a person and who I want to become on court. Yes, I’m a very ambitious person, we are a very ambitious team with high goals. We can’t always be satisfied with results we’ve done in the past and must make sure we look ahead,” Fernandez said, via the WTA website.
Leylah Fernandez© YouTube screenshot
What Fernandez said following her US Open final loss?
When the Canadian and Raducanu booked a final meeting at Flushing Meadows, some absolutely loved it because they felt it was a breath of fresh air to see two teenagers go up against each other in a Grand Slam final. And because neither had any experience of playing in a Slam final and considering that both were in the midst of a fairytale run, the belief was that they had even chances of winning the match.
In the end, it was the Briton who came up with the goods and lifted her maiden Grand Slam title. Afterward, Fernandez didn’t hide that she was disappointed and that she felt that she missed a major opportunity. But also, she remained hopeful that she would be able to do more big things at the Slam level in 2022.
“Well, right now it has sunk in. I am still disappointed. I think this loss, I’m going to carry it for a very long time. I think it will motivate me to do better in training, better for the next opportunity I get. But, no, I’m very happy with myself, with the way I competed, and the play I played, the way I acted on court the past two weeks. I’ve improved a lot not only tennis-wise but emotionally and mentally. I’m happy. Next year hopefully it will be just as good,” the Canadian said in her post-final presser.
Fernandez is currently bidding to defend her Hong Kong title
After winning her third WTA title in Hong Kong last year, the 22-year-old returned to the tournament this week hoping to defend her title. And so far, she has enjoyed great support and been through to the quarterfinal.
“My dad has always said the job of an athlete is to entertain. For me, we wouldn’t have this job if it wasn’t for the fans. Seeing how passionate they are for the sport, for tennis, for women’s sport especially, it truly motivates me to be better,” Fernandez said.
On Thursday, the third seed safely made it past her round-of-16 match after crushing Kim Birrell 6-1 6-2.
Leylah Fernandez© Hong Kong Tennis Open/X – Fair Use
“As the defending champion you want to achieve good results, but also, I felt so much love from the fans, as if I’ve been coming here every year. It just feels great to be back, I’m super happy to experience this again as my last tournament for the year. I want to enjoy the moment, enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible,” the Canadian said.
For a place in the Hong Kong semifinal, Fernandez plays against Bernarda Pera.
