Renowned Journalist Details Why Leylah Fernandez is Not ‘Intimidated’ Even Against Naomi Osaka

19-year-old Leylah Fernandez broke into headlines after her sensational performance at the US Open 2021. Even though she failed to win the finals against Emma Raducanu, she played some brilliant tennis and ended up as the runner-up of the Grand Slam.

Leylah Fernandez defeated three out of the top five seeded players at the US Open 2021. Interestingly, she also eliminated defending champion, Naomi Osaka, from the major.

Renowned journalist reveals why Leylah Fernandez will carry forward her momentum even after the US Open 2021

In a recent interview with CBC Sports, renowned sports journalist Vivek Jacob hailed Fernandez. He also revealed why he feels that the Canadian player can carry forward her form even at the upcoming tournaments.

“I would say two things. Number one is when she was coached at a young age, when her father took her under his wing, he wanted to prioritise never being intimidated by the opponent or the moment,” said Jacob in the interview.

Jacob clearly highlighted that one of Fernandez’s biggest strengths is she doesn’t get intimidated by the players. He even reflected that it was one of the reasons why she enjoyed such tremendous success at the US Open 2021 and was able to defeat big players like Osaka and Sabalenka.

“We saw that at the US Open when she was going up against Naomi Osaka, she was going against arguably the hardest hitter in the game, Aryna Sabalenka, she wasn’t intimidated,” added the journalist.

Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Vivek Jacob applauds Fernandez for her problem-solving ability

Another attribute that Jacob praised Fernandez for is her problem-solving ability. He feels that she doesn’t think about the size and the strength of her opponent but always thinks about beating her tactically.

“And then, at the end of it, I would say problem solving. So by not looking at the size and strength of her opponent, she is looking at how to win the match. What she can do to tactically defeat her opponent… I think those are the two main things that lend to her being able to carry over from the US Open,” concluded Jacob.

Leylah Fernandez will be playing at the Indian Wells 2021 now. Fans have huge expectations from her and want her to deliver some brilliant performances in Indian Wells. Will she be able to succeed there?

Also Read: Leylah Fernandez Reveals How Separation From Mother Helped Her to Develop ‘Steel-Minded’ Mentality