“Gave Me Some Pretty Good Advice”: Leylah Fernandez Reveals Precious Meet With Maria Sharapova at Met Gala 2021

One of the two promising next-generation talents to have made their mark at the US Open this year, Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez has seen a huge jump in her rankings post the runner-up title in New York.

The Canadian had a tough run at the US Open as she had to defeat a lot of top-tier players that include the likes of Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and Aryna Sabalenka. While it’s true that Raducanu played better in the championship match, the heroics of Leylah Fernandez in New York were truly commendable.

Leylah Fernandez teams up with Coco Gauff to play doubles at Indian Wells

At the upcoming BNP Paribas Open, Fernandez is the 23rd seed and will face the winner of the first round matchup between Alize Cornet and Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Also, the Canadian will be pairing up with Coco Gauff at Indian Wells doubles. The duo are teaming up for the first time as they will create a lot of buzz around the women’s doubles section.

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In the pre-tournament press conference, Leylah Fernandez talked about the opportunity of meeting Maria Sharapova at the Met Gala awards. Soon after their epic run at the US Open, both Raducanu and Fernandez received their maiden invitations for the star-studded event.

“She told me her own experience” – Fernandez on meeting Sharapova at Met Gala

“I was lucky enough to to meet Maria Sharapova at the Met (Gala). We kind of chatted a little bit and she she gave me some pretty good advice. She told me her own experience and the way that she was able to bounce back“, told the Canadian.

Sharapova, who retired from professional tennis in February last year, reached ten major finals in her career and managed to win five of them. Out of the other five defeats, three of them came up against Serena Williams.

The Russian, who had seen everything from good to bad in her tennis career, left the sport without having a farewell tour. But, she stays in touch with her fans every now and then via social media.

Coming to Fernandez, she was one of the few youngsters who is handling the attention around her with grace and didn’t get overwhelmed by numerous reactions from tennis fans across the world.

As far as Indian Wells is concerned, the Canadian will remain one of the favorites to watch along with Emma Raducanu.

Also read: Former British No.1 Opens up on Emma Raducanu’s Coach Situation Ahead of Indian Wells