Leylah Fernandez is an embodiment of zeal and perseverance. However, critics were startled at her losing cause in the US Open 2021, where she lost to Emma Raducanu in the Grand Finale. Yes, that was disappointing, but consider the other side as well. Didn’t she successfully measure up to three Top 5 competitors to reach the finals? The list included a top-form Naomi Osaka as well! Now, two years later, Fernandez is all set on the lead-up to her home Slam once again – and she has spoken out on being a crowd favourite!

Modesty is what keeps her grounded. But what is it that is keeping her going? Turns out, the home advantage is the comfort zone that fuels the young tennis star. A total delight to watch, fans love her agility on court, and Leylah Fernandez is enjoying every bit of the relationship she shares with them!

Leylah Fernandez wanted to win for the home Montreal crowd

The Montreal-born hasn’t had it easy though. She has had to face the grind to be counted in the top category. Leylah Fernandez is yet to make it to the Top 10. But a career best of WTA 13 could sound ominous for her rivals. But that is history. She has slipped down the ladder and has an arduous task to resuscitate her career. Leylah Annie Fernandez has begun the ongoing Canadian Open with bang. A wildcard entrant, she defeated American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-2 at her hometown to advance into Round 2.

She loves the crowd and wanted to win it for them. Upon being asked at the post-match conference how she felt playing for her home crowd, Fernandez responded, “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”. She added, first time matches are always tough and there were a lot of noises around. However, she loved it with her friends and family around.

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Nostalgia gripped her as well. She recalled the days when she came to the venue to watch live action. It was then called the Rogers Cup, she reminisced. Talking of distractions, there was never one. Family and friends are never a distraction, she poignantly elaborated. Leylah’s characteristic grace was not limited to kith and kin, as she also applauded her opponent in the interview.

Youngsters Leylah Fernandez and Coco Gauff Reveal the Spookiest Thing in Tennis – ‘When You Don’t Know Your Opponent..’

The Canadian sensation holds challenger Peyton Stearns in high esteem   

The Canadian, known for her incredible sportsmanship, had nothing but respect for her Round 1 rival. “She is a very good player. It’s never easy to play against her. I tried to focus on my own game I was glad to have executed the game plan,” she added.

Coming up, she locks horns with Beatriz Haddad Maia. Yes, Leylah Fernandez is in no mood to sit back on her laurels. She added it was going to be tough, as Beatriz Haddad Maia was having a great year loaded with confidence. The young girl would, however, prefer working on her game plan to romp home.

Not just her strategy, but the home support would also be emboldening. Leylah Fernandez is well aware of the responsibilities and magnitude of the challenges she will face ahead. Can she go places? What do you think? Come on, share your thoughts in the comments below!

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