19-Year-Old Leylah Fernandez Details How Her Father and Coach Inspired Her to Reach US Open 2021 Semifinals

Undoubtedly, the 2021 US Open will forever be remembered as the year of the youngsters. Thanks to yet another sensational performance from Canadian international, Leylah Fernandez, the American crowd was up on their feet tonight. Young, agile, full of love and life, 19-year-old Leylah cruised her way into the semi-finals of the US Open.

Paving the path to success, one historic win at a time, Leylah has grabbed the spotlight at the Flushing Meadows. After battling past former champions, knocking them out in emphatic wins, she once again put on a surreal display of tennis. Notably, playing in the form of her life, she took on Ukrainian giant, Elina Svitolina, and left no stone unturned.

Fierce and courageous through and through, Leylah dominated the game and made history while at it. However, even as she put on a mind-boggling show, it was her comments post the win that sent chills across a packed stadium.

“Fight for your dream”- Leylah Fernandez

In a thriller contest, Leylah took on yet another WTA Top 5 player. Despite that, her body language and gameplay saw no difference, as she approached the match with sheer dominance and played some authoritative tennis. However, as she dropped the second set to the World No. 5, fans wondered if her amazing journey at the Flushing Meadows was ending.

Proving doubters wrong and giving supporters something to cheer on, Leylah revealed the wise words of inspiration that came from her father; words that probably came to her rescue when she needed it the most. She said, “My dad told so many things. But today he told me that ‘go out there, have fun, fight for every ball, fight for every point. Today is your first quarter-final, don’t make it your last, don’t make it your last match over here. Fight for your dream.'”

Despite losing a set, Leylah made a strong comeback, winning the match in a thrilling tie-break. Courtesy of her win, she cruised into the semi-finals as the scoreline read 3-6, 6-3, 6-7.

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Another record to her name

With every emphatic win, Leylah continues to bag an accolade to her name and re-write the history books of the tournament. With her recent win against the Ukrainian giant, she becomes the youngest player to defeat two WTA Top-5 players at the same major since 17-year-old Serena Williams at the 1999 US Open.

Regardless of what her fate holds in New York, a bright future is assured for Leylah and for Canadian tennis. With high hopes and dreams galore, Leylah will soon don the court in her first major semi-finals, but surely not her last.

Read more: Canadian Prime Minister, Magic Johnson and Others Shout Out Leylah Fernandez After Spectacular US Open 2021 Run