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Sep 7, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada hits to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine on day nine of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Imago
Sep 7, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada hits to Elina Svitolina of Ukraine on day nine of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
In the absence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Venus, and Serena Williams, the teenagers have stolen the show at the US Open 2021. Most recently, the now-turned 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez upset the fifth seed Elina Svitolina to reach the semifinals. Also, she became the youngest women’s singles player to make it to the last four in New York, since Maria Sharapova did in 2005.
On her way up, Fernandez defeated Ana Konjuh, Kaia Kanepi, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Elina Svitolina. Accordingly, she has written one of the most spectacular runs in Grand Slams’ history.
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Leylah’s run:
R1: Konjuh
R2: Kanepi
R3: Osaka
R4: Kerber
QF: SvitolinaMy god. #USOpen
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 7, 2021
Apart from that, Fernandez is also the youngest player after Serena Williams to defeat two WTA Top 5 players in a major tournament (Osaka and Svitolina). The 23-time Grand Slam champion completed this feat as a 17-year-old at the 1999 US Open.
Leylah Fernandez is the youngest woman to reach the semifinals at the US Open since 18-year-old Maria Sharapova in 2005.
She's also the youngest to defeat two WTA Top-5 players at any major since 17-year-old Serena Williams at 1999 US Open. pic.twitter.com/SVuawxodQ9
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 7, 2021
Read More: “To Have Him Believe in Me…”: Emma Raducanu Reveals She Takes a Lot of Inspiration From Andy Murray
Leylah Fernandez joins Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams record at US Open
Russia’s Maria Sharapova had become a tennis sensation at a very young age. Before making it to the US Open semifinal in 2005, she had already won her maiden Grand Slam title in Wimbledon 2004 as a 17-year-old.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 26: Serena Williams of the United States shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after defeating her in her Women’s Singles first round match during day one of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Earlier in 2020, the former World No.1 and five-time Grand Slam champion retired. And now, her records are being matched on the WTA Tour.
Undeniably, Fernandez has shown heart to take down the biggest names on the women’s circuit. By far, she has won these matches on the shoulders of her great tennis and self-belief and nothing else.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 7, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada hits a forehand against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine (not pictured) on day nine of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Hence, it would be a proud moment for her to join Sharapova on the list of the youngest semifinalists at the American Slam. Previously, her father even thanked Serena and Maria for setting the example for her daughter.
Watch this story: Breathtaking Tennis From 18-Year-Old Sensation at Us Open 2021
Who will Fernandez play against at the US Open 2021 SFs?
For a place in the US Open 2021 final, Fernandez will take on the winner between reigning Roland-Garros winner Barbora Krejcikova and second seed Aryna Sabalenka.
All in all, the young Canadian teenager has already won many fans around the world. But it is time to see if she can continue ahead on her dream run. Fingers crossed!
Do you think Fernandez can win the US Open 2021 title?
