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Milos Raonic, Kim Clijsters and Others Laud Leylah Fernandez For Upsetting Angelique Kerber at US Open 2021

Published 09/05/2021, 9:45 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

As day 6 of the US Open kicked off in style, fans were in for a historic night. Right at the heart of the action, once again, was Canadian youngster Leylah Fernandez, as she took on former World No. 1, Angelique Kerber. With a youthful display of fearless tennis, the 18-year-old beat the German in emphatic style and reached her first Grand slam quarter-finals.

Leylah Fernandez made headlines over the weekend, knocking out defending champion Naomi Osaka in round 3 of the tournament. Naturally, her performance turned heads across the world, with fans now closely following her journey in the competition. However, as she geared up for a chance at history, fans backed the teenager for another successful outing. Living up to their expectations, she played exuberantly tennis, beating the veteran 6-4, 6-7, 2-6.

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After she came back from behind in unbelievable fashion, Twitter erupted with entities expressing their admiration for Leylah. As applause pours in for the 18-year-old, a bright future awaits.

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Twitter erupts for Leylah Fernandez

The much-awaited clash was off to a thrilling start, with Leylah losing the first set. However, passing a test of sheer grit and determination, she fought her way back in the game, winning a thrilling tie-break in the second set. From there on, she looked unstoppable. On her birthday eve, Leylah played some of her best tennis to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-finals.

Serena Williams coach, Patrick Mouratoglou was quick to share his praise for the youngster. Taking to his Twitter, he said, “Leylah Fernandez shows that it is not necessary to be tall and strong to hit the hell put of the ball. Combo of easy power and taking the ball early makes wonders.”

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People’s favorite, Genie Bouchard, also tuned in to watch the breathtaking game. Undoubtedly, fans were thrilled as the fellow Canadian took to her Instagram sharing a glimpse of her television.

With his excited Tweet, it is safe to say that her fellow Canadian tennis peer, Milos Raonic, was beyond ecstatic over her thrilling win.

“Not Necessary To Be Tall and Strong”: Serena Williams’ Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Awestruck With Leylah Fernandez’s Magical Tennis

Keep em coming

Former World No. 1 Kim Clijsters also reacted to Leylah’s win, sharing the wholesome on-court moment when the Canadian triumphed. “Tennis is such a beautiful sport,” she said.

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American legend Pam Shriver notably credited Leylah’s team for the credible work they’ve been putting in towards the teenager’s success. She said, “Fernandez’s team is doing some solid coaching caught on camera many times.”

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The young Canadian has become a favorite, an irresistible under-dog story. However, what remains to be seen is how far she goes at the US Open 2021. Is the title possible for soon-to-be 19-year-old Leylah?

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Written by:

Melroy Fernandes

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Melroy Joseph Fernandes is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. A Mass Media graduate, Melroy has been a content writer for the past 6 years, curating stories for several brands, starting from his own. At the age of 17, Melroy began his writing Journey with Team BIB, an event management company for everything Art and Entertainment.
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