Teenager Leylah Fernandez Takes Down Defending Champion Naomi Osaka at US Open 2021 R3

Day 5 of the US Open got off to a breathtaking start. After an already eventful evening, fans geared up for yet another enticing clash. Notably, American sensation Naomi Osaka kick-started her round 3 clash against Canadian superstar, Leylah Annie Fernandez. It was all guns blazing as the two youngsters took to the court, in a bid to outplay the other and cruise into the next round.

The world tuned in to watch the defending champion lock horns with the Canadian youngster. The two WTA stars lived up to the expectations with a dazzling display of tennis. However, even as the American crowd backed their homegirl, an upset was on its way.

Disappointing day for Naomi

Starting the game strong, Naomi displayed dominance on the court. Courtesy of her authoritative tennis, she bagged the first set and took the game to her opponent, putting her under instant pressure. However, the Canadian wasn’t about to give up just yet. As the scoreline read 5-7 to Osaka, a resurrection was incoming.

The Canadian played exuberantly in the second set, fighting to stay in the match. Notably, she came from behind to topple the defending champion and win the home crowd on her side. Rightly so, she did just that as she grabbed the took the game by the scruff of the neck and turned it on its course. Putting Naomi under pressure, the Canadian won the second set 7-6.

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Naomi Osaka out of the US Open

Annie Fernandez’s comeback in the game surely caught Naomi off guard. Going into the third set, the player looked far from her best, out of focus, and struggled in finding her footing. Annie, who had regained momentum, made sure she didn’t let the game slip from here on.

Leylah caused the biggest WTA upset at the US Open 2021 so far, knocking out defending champ Naomi Osaka in the third round of the tournament. What remains to be seen is how well the World No. 3 recovers from this loss now. Until then, fans praise yet another 18-year-old history maker, who promises a bright future for tennis and continues her fine run of the form at the Flushing Meadows. The final scoreline read 5-7, 7-6, 6-4.

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