19-year-old Leylah Fernandez has shocked the tennis world by beating another high-profile player and reaching the final of the US Open. The Canadian teenager beat Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-4 in a nerve-wracking semi-final clash. She is now set to face the British 18-year-old Emma Raducanu in the New York final.
Ranked 73rd in the world, Fernandez has had a dream tournament so far, beating Elina Svitolina and defending champion Naomi Osaka.
“My mental toughness has come from years and years of hard work and blood. On-court and off-court sacrifices, I just really wanted to be in the final. I fought for every point,” said Fernandez.
When she was asked how she won, Fernandez laughed, “I have no idea! I’d say because of the New York crowd.”
“They have helped me and cheered for me and never gave up for me, they fought for me. Thanks to them I was able to win.”
Upon winning at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Fernandez fell to her knees in shocked celebration and made heart signs to the crowd as they applauded her achievement.
