It was the year 2022. After reaching the 2021 US Open final, Canadian tennis sensation, Leylah Fernandez, was brimming with confidence to make it big. Earlier that year, she won the WTA 250 title in Mexico. However, since then, the 21-year-old has had a torrid time on the court. She has not had a final appearance in 593 days until now, let alone winning a title. This week though, Fernandez was in her groove as she made it to the summit clash of the Hong Kong Open. Following her semifinal victory, she was filled with mixed emotions.

Fernandez, who was a runner-up at the 2021 US Open, hasn’t had the best of seasons this year. She has had some shocking defeats and early exits from the tournaments. Let’s find out what she said after reaching the finals of the ongoing WTA 250 tournament in Hong Kong.

Leylah Fernandez opens up on finally reaching the summit clash

The Canadian star was up against Anna Blinkova in the semifinals of the Hong Kong Open. Blinkova, ranked higher than Fernandez, couldn’t overcome the challenge of her Canadian opponent as she succumbed to a straight-sets loss 6-2, 7-5. The win comes as a welcome relief for Fernandez, whose career had gone off the track with her recent performances.

It is natural for the emotions to run high as she made it to her first final in 593 days. Talking about how she felt after entering the Hong Kong Open final, she said, “Wow. That long? It feels amazing. I’m super happy. I have so many emotions right now. Happiness, sadness bc my full team isn’t here with me. They’re encouraging me from back home & giving me lots of positivity..”

Fernandez has been very attached to her team and the support of her home fans. She once revealed having a profound relationship with them.

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When Fernandez spoke highly about the support from her home fans

At this year’s Canadian Open, Fernandez won her opening two matches before losing out to Danielle Colling in the third round. During her stint there, she was backed strongly by the local fans. Talking about them, she said, “The crowd was amazing. I felt their positivity, emotions. They came and supported both of us. They were very respectful to my opponent. I was happy to have played in front of a packed house for the first time in Montreal. It has a great atmosphere.” Further, she even mentioned that family and friends are never a distraction for her.

Coming to her final at the ongoing Hong Kong Open, Fernandez will face Katerina Siniakova in the summit clash. Can she achieve glory and win her first title this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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