US Open Runner-Up Leylah Fernandez Reveals How She Wants to Emulate Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

Leylah Fernandez had an unbelievable, record-breaking run at the US Open 2021. On her way to the finals, she overcame top-seeded players like Naomi Osaka, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka. In a recent interview, she said that she wants to regenerate the energy of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Fernandez was unable to win the competition, but she has captured the hearts of millions of people across the world. At the age of 19, reaching the finals of the US Open is a tremendous achievement.

Fernandez wants to rejuvenate the Federer-Nadal energy

Sep 9, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts after winning the first set tiebreaker against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus (not pictured) on day eleven of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Leylah Fernandez had expressed on many occasions how she admired both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. She had always considered both of them as her role models. The Canadian wants to emulate the kind of energy Federer and Nadal possess in their matches.

In an interview, the Canadian said, “I remember when I was little and I watched Nadal and Federer’s matches and I saw how the fans behaved with that kind of attitude, that kind of tennis and that’s what I want to bring to the court, the same energy from them, give the fans a smile and they can have a good time looking at my tennis. “

Leylah Fernandez’s breathtaking run at US Open 2021

Sep 11, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; (L-R) Leylah Fernandez of Canada and Emma Raducanu of Great Britain celebrate with the finalist and championship trophy (respectively) after their match in the women’s singles final on day thirteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Leylah Fernandez had a staggering run at the Flushing Meadows. Ranked 73rd in the world, the Canadian pulled off some astounding victories on her way to the final.

“I honestly feel very good, I am very happy. I learned a lot in the last two years. The win against Osaka was good, but I think the key win was my first round. The last time I played against her I lost. I am very happy with the way I was able to fight, I was able to fight and I was able to overcome that difficulty and go to the second round,” she said to MARCA Claro.

Though Fernandez had been amazing throughout the competition, the 19-year-old fell short against Emma Raducanu of Great Britain in the finals of US Open 2021.

ALSO READ: “They Did Everything in Their Power”: Leylah Fernandez Credits Canada for US Open 2021 Success

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