Barbara Schett sees similarities between Leylah Fernandez and Rafael Nadal

Eurosport tennis analyst Barbara Schett believes Canadian Leylah Fernandez has a similar skillset and finesse that resembles clay-court great Rafael Nadal.

Fernandez reached the quarterfinals of Roland Garros for the first time, before falling to a red-hot Martina Trevisan. However, the 2021 US Open runner-up looked impressive in her victories on clay this year, exhibiting shot-placement and movement that was similar to a certain legendary Spaniard.

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"I love the way Fernandez plays on clay," admitted Schett. "She has so much finesse; that leftie serve, she opens up the court like Rafael Nadal. I really love what I see."

Schett was not the only one to heap praise on Fernandez, as Eurosport colleague Alex Corretja also had nice things to say about the rising star.

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"I adore her; she’s so nice," Corretja said. "She moves extremely well and has a great attitude on the court. I love that. If you are to work with someone, you need to feel like they are a nice person, and secondly, they are going to give 100% with a good attitude, because what is life without a good attitude?"