‘Every Time I Asked Her She Always Said Yes’ – Leylah Fernandez Has a Heartfelt Message for French Tennis Star Alize Cornet

It was the BNP Paribas Open in 2021. Fresh from her successful run in the US Open, Leylah Fernandez was up against Alize Cornet in the second round. The Canadian tennis sensation won that match in straight-sets 6-2, 6-3. Although facing each other for the first time, it was the beginning of the formation of a strong bond between the two players.

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The two are in Indian Wells currently to participate in the BNP Paribas Open 2022. Along with their singles commitments, they have also teamed up to play in women’s doubles. They caused a massive upset, knocking out the second seeds, Samantha Stosur and Shuai Zhang, in a hard-fought match. Further, the Canadian opened up on her friendship with Cornet.

Leylah Fernandez admits to having a strong bond with Alize Cornet

Their friendship has grown leaps and bounds since their first meeting on the court last year. Talking about her friend, Leylah said, “Alize, she’s an extremely beautiful person – like, SO nice. She’s serious. But she knows when to throw in some jokes, have fun. I’ve trained with her a few times, and we played each other here last year.”

Moreover, she added, “She was always very, very nice to me. She’s one of the first players that was there, that helped me kind of transition and be comfortable on the Tour. I remember having trouble finding like players to hit with. And every time I asked her, she would always say yes. And when she said ‘Yes’, she would tell me the exact date and the time. Since I was always available, I was like, ‘Yeah, sure. Let’s let’s hit that time. I don’t mind!’ I’m just excited to play doubles with her this tournament.”

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While Cornet bowed out in the second round in women’s singles, Leylah Fernandez will be up against Amanda Anisimova in the second round later today in Indian Wells. In the women’s doubles, they will face Laura Siegemund and Vera Zvonareva in the second round. Can Fernandez and Cornet ride on their camaraderie to find success in women’s doubles at the BNP Paribas Open? Let us know your views in the comments below.