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

Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez claimed another huge scalp in her giant-killing run at the US Open. Taking part in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, the 18-year-old stunned fifth seed Elina Svitolina 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) to reach the semifinals of the US Open.

Following Fernandez’s upset win, Twitter went wild as several people took to the social media platform to share their reactions. From tennis players to public figures, many came in unison to congratulate the Canadian for this stunning result.

Leylah Fernandez congratulated by former and current tennis stars after upset win

Since turning pro in 2019, Fernandez took part in the main draw of five Grand Slam tournaments. Although she failed to reach the fourth round prior to the US Open, her fortunes changed in New York. En route to reaching the semifinals, she defeated third seed Naomi Osaka, 16th seed Angelique Kerber and now Svitolina successively.

Her results drew praise from all corners of the globe, with tennis players of yesteryears and this year congratulating her.

Leylaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!! https://t.co/75IwdW4btJ

— Gaby Dabrowski (@GabyDabrowski) September 7, 2021

Osaka Kerber Svitolina too?This is incredible offensive tennis from @leylahfernandez -like a wall! Here we go…..

— Tracy Austin (@thetracyaustin) September 7, 2021

This @leylahfernandez kiddo… Impressive.. Stayed at the same housing place with her 2 years ago in ITF Toronto.. Knew from the 1st moment we had a hit together she was something special.. So intense, motivated, focused, speed, agility, power.. #futuregschampion #shehasitall

— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) September 7, 2021

Raw emotion. https://t.co/lVoAmPtLAQ

— Patrick Mouratoglou (@pmouratoglou) September 7, 2021

She also received praise from Svitolina, along with Canadian tennis stars Milos Raonic and Vasek Popisil.

Giving up is never an option.. Left my whole heart out there but unfortunately, not today
Well done Leylah, for brave performance!
Thank you @usopen and everyone for your love pic.twitter.com/iY5zhFx4L2

— Elina Monfils (@ElinaSvitolina) September 7, 2021

Geez my feed is getting boring!! Let’s go. @leylahfernandez

Good luck to @felixtennis tonight!

— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) September 7, 2021

Go @leylahfernandez !!! Unreal stuff

— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) September 7, 2021

That’s how you FIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Go on Leylah!!!!!!! @leylahfernandez https://t.co/cvr2GCzaGn

— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) September 7, 2021

Although it’s natural to see tennis stars react, her victory created waves outside of the sport. She also received praise from Canadian basketball star Steve Nash, and former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson.

Certified Baller! (**finds wall to hit ground strokes till the street lights go out) @leylahfernandez https://t.co/9ssJLDFzsM

— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) September 7, 2021

If you haven’t seen the most exciting player at the US Open, 19-year old Leylah Fernandez, you’re truly missing out!! She just beat her 3rd ranked opponent and is on fire . She’s captivating the world! @leylahfernandez

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 7, 2021

While Johnson was late to congratulate her for defeating Osaka in his tweet (he mentioned third-ranked opponent in his tweet), it showed how her victory transcended tennis itself. However, the applause for her victory didn’t stop there as Canadian politicians also chimed in.

READ MORE: Leylah Fernandez Joins Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in a Spectacular Record at US Open 2021

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shares congratulatory tweet

Trudeau, who first became Prime Minister in 2015, also took to the social media platform to congratulate the 18-year-old. While congratulating Fernandez, he also wished fellow Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime for his quarterfinal match today.

He wrote, “Big day for Canadian tennis! Congrats to @leylahfernandez, who’s heading to the semi-finals at the @USopen, and good luck to @felixtennis in your quarter-final match tonight. We’re cheering you on from home!“

Big day for Canadian tennis! Congrats to @leylahfernandez, who’s heading to the semi-finals at the @USopen, and good luck to @felixtennis in your quarter-final match tonight. We’re cheering you on from home!

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 7, 2021

Although she merited the tweet, it left Fernandez overjoyed as she replied to it after the match. “WOW! Thank you @JustinTrudeau, proud to represent our country. It is an honor,” wrote the Canadian. Canadian senator Judith Seidman also sent her congratulations, terming the victory epic.

Epic @leylahfernandez !! https://t.co/GIq94l1CJq

— Sen. Judith Seidman (@JudithSeidman) September 7, 2021

While the victory marked her arrival on the big stage, her focus now shifts to semifinals. Although many may not have expected this deep a run from Fernandez, teenagers are making a name for themselves this year. In fact, she could be joined by fellow 18-year-old Emma Raducanu if she beats Belinda Bencic in their quarterfinal later today.

Fernandez will face second seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. While the odds may be stacked against her, they may not be as high as they were before the start of the tournament. Can the Canadian add another huge upset on her impressive run?

WATCH STORY: Top Seeds Naomi Osaka, John Isner, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, and Others Who Faced Huge Upsets at the US Open

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