Corretja impressed with Fernandez's meteoric rise in New York - "She is dealing with pressure easily"

Former World No.2 and current Eurosport tennis analyst Alex Corretja has high praise for breakout star Leylah Fernandez as she continues her dream US Open run, with the 19-year old set to face Emma Raducanu in her first Grand Slam final on Saturday.

Read also

Breakout star Leylah Fernandez soars to maiden Grand Slam final with hard-fought win over Sabalenka

During Fernandez's rise to stardom, the Canadian has taken down big names like Naomi Osaka and most recently, Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. Corretja believes that Fernandez has developed a bond with the fans, and this has played a part in her success story.

“It is a love story,” Corretja said. “They enjoy the player, the player enjoys the crowd. It has been unreal and super-special to see. She is dealing with the pressure easily.”

Read also

2021 US Open Prize Money WTA and ATP with $38,720,000 on offer

During her match against Sabalenka, Corretja was impressed with how the World No.73 was able to handle the Belarusian's power, and stated that the teenager had handled herself well considering she had little experience on the big stage.

“It is a huge win,” Corretja added. “It is difficult to go out there and play against Sabalenka as she is very aggressive and pushes you, but Leylah dealt with it very well. She was smart and quick, changing directions all the time and it hurt Sabalenka’s game a lot.

"I am very surprised as you normally need time, You need the experience to be there. But all of a sudden she is in the final, is dealing with the emotions and enjoying herself."