After Andreescu, FAA & Co .: Leylah Fernandez the next Canadian tennis hope
The Canadian tennis association has brought promising players onto the big stage in recent years. After Bianca Andreescu, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Co., Leylah Fernandez is the next big hope for the future.
by tennisnet.com
last edit:
Dec 27, 2019, 05:37 pm
Canada's steep climb in 2019 was one of the biggest themes of the past season. In addition to Bianca Andreescu's Grand Slam triumph, the men developed into a real contender for the Davis Cup.
Canada also had great success on the junior tour. While Leylah Fernandez was still playing youth tournaments in the first half of the year, she showed up at the Challenger level among the adults. In the WTA ranking, it made up 200 places and is just outside the top 200 in place 211.
“Everything I've done so far will help me in the future. That my ranking got better gives me additional confidence, ”Fernandez told wtatennis.com . The now 17-year-old reached the junior final at the Australian Open, and even won the title at the French Open in Paris. In September she took over number one in the world ranking of ITF juniors.
At this point, however, she was already playing in professional tournaments, grabbing her first Challenger title in Quebec and reaching the finale at highly endowed ITF events.
Leylah Fernandez: professional debut at Rogers Cup
“That Bianca, Felix and Denis play so great is great for the Canadian youth. It gave us confidence to be able to play for the title one day at Grand Slams, ”said Fernandez. Previously, however, Rebecca Marino, Eugenie Bouchard or Milos Raonic had already ensured that a tennis boom in Canada went through the country. "These were big steps, they definitely helped us," said Fernandez.
The Canadian tennis association last summer equipped the young player with a wild card for the Rogers Cup. “Even if I lost in the first round, I learned a lot. The opportunity was great, ”said Fernandez.
In order to get used to the professional circus better, she got a tooth in physical training in preparation for the new season. “In order to take the next step, I have to increase the intensity. With the Challengers everything is a bit faster. The women fight for every single point. "
She wants to start the new season in Auckland qualifying, although it is not yet clear whether she will make the cut. At the Australian Open, she will definitely contest her first Grand Slam with the professionals, where she is guaranteed a place in the qualification.
“A long dream comes true for me. Alone if I can have some fun and maybe get through one round or the other would be great, ”said Fernandez. Then she wants to be in the top 100 at the end of the year.