Fernandez told to 'go out and have fun' by father-coach as US Open run continues
NEW YORK – Canadian 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez delivered another stunner in the US Open Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Fernandez, who had already ousted defending champion Naomi Osaka and three-time Slam winner Angelique Kerber, defeated Ukraine's fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5).
"I honestly have no idea what I'm feeling right now," Fernandez said moments after the victory. "I told myself to trust my shots. Even if I lose, I've got to go for it. And I'm glad I did."
Fernandez, ranked 73rd, was inspired by pre-match strategy from her father/coach Jorge, a former Ecuadoran football player.
"He told me to go out and have fun, fight for every point," she said. "It's your first Grand Slam quarterfinal. Don't make it your last. Don't make it your last match over here. Fight for your dream."
The left-hander, who turned 19 on Monday, snapped the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist's nine-match win streak with clutch shotmaking, firing 42 winners, as spectators roared their delight.
"Throughout the whole match, I was so nervous," Fernandez told the crowd. "Thanks to you, I was able to push through."
Fernandez broke for a 4-2 lead and captured the first set in 38 minutes, the first Svitolina surrendered at the Open.
In the second set, Svitolina broke twice to lead 5-1 but Fernandez broke in the seventh game and forced three break points in the last game before a Svitolina ace mandated a third set.
Fernandez and Svitolina exchanged four breaks on the way to the tie-breaker, in which the teenager never trailed, advancing after two hours and 24 minutes with a service winner.
Fernandez booked a semifinal matchup against second seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, who defeated Czech eighth seed and reigning French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova 6-1, 6-4.
"She's playing well," Sabalenka said of Fernandez. "She's moving well and the crowd cheers for her. I'd say nothing to lose for this one."
Sabalenka matched her deepest Slam run from July at Wimbledon with a WTA-best 43rd match win of 2021.
- Latest
- Trending
