Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada celebrates with the runner-up trophy after being defeated by Emma … [+] Raducanu of Great Britain during their Women’s Singles final match on Day Thirteen of the 2021 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Canadian-born tennis phenom Leylah Fernandez rocked the sports world this year, when she made it to the 141st U.S. Open singles final along with fellow teenager Emma Raducanu. Fernandez also picked up her first career title in March, at the Monterey Open.
In all, 2021 marked a tremendous breakout year for the 19-year-old left hander, but the newly awarded 2021 Canadian Player of the Year said in an interview this week that the fast pace of WTA competition is one that she began preparing for long ago.
“I didn’t feel any additional pressure or stress,” Fernandez said about the U.S. Open final. “Instead, I just played the game I’d been taught—with a smile. You can’t control the outcome of the match.”
Though Fernandez would go on to lose the U.S. Open final to Raducanu in two straight sets (6-4, 6-3), getting there was no small accomplishment.
On her road to the ladies’ singles final, Fernandez defeated Naomi Osaka, the tournament’s No. 3 seed, then ranked world No. 2, in the third round. Immediately after Osaka, Fernandez followed up with a fourth-round victory over veteran Angelique Kerber, the three-time singles Grand Slam winner and 2018 Wimbledon champion. Finally, to book her hard-won ticket to the title match, Fernandez beat current world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals, in three sets.
Monday I got the opportunity to chat with Fernandez via Zoom, in which she talked about her breakout year and her overall approach to professional tennis.
Andy Frye: You’ve had a great 2021, but being competitive in the WTA is no easy task. How have you pulled it off?
Leylah Fernandez: When I first started playing competitive tennis, I would feel street and pressure. Growing up (while) learning the game, I was struggling with that. My father, who was always my coach and still is, would always tell me “the pressure and stress will be your best friend.”
Throughout the years, I have always kept that as my mantra. And when I’d get to a big stage of a tournament, I would take a breath and remind myself of that.
AF: So, what about the U.S. Open final this year?
Fernandez: Then when I got to (my first) junior Grand Slam finals—same thing. Pressure and stress were my best friend. So, I was able to use that and decide that I was going to enjoy myself and enjoy the sport in the moment.
That’s what I did in the U.S. Open throughout the rounds. I got to the Finals and was very happy and proud of myself. So when that moment (the Finals) came up, I didn’t feel like I had to “step up” or do more.
The match will end, but no matter what way of goes, it’s still a beautiful day. Skies were blue, I’m enjoying myself, and I have my family there with me. So, I just enjoy it as much as I can.
VIDEO: Leylah Fernandez bests Naomi Osaka and other top 2021 plays
AF: The Australian Open is around the corner and it’s next next Grand Slam on the calendar. How do you prepare during holiday time?
Fernandez: Present moment, I am here in Miami, training hard. I’m training hard just like anyone to make sure my game is ready for the whole 2022 season.
When 2022 comes, I am going keep doing everything I have been taught. I can’t control the outcome of the win or the loss. But it’s about having a good attitude, having positivity, being dedicated to the sport and hard work.
Read Andy Frye’s 2021 interviews with Venus Williams and Chris Evert.
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