"Days when the struggle feels overwhelming, self-doubt creeps in": Fernandez opens up on mental struggles as a tennis player after US Open exit

Wednesday, 30 August 2023 at 20:00

Leylah Fernandez lost early at the US Open two years on from her final defeat to Emma Raducanu at Flushing Meadows. It hasn't always gone well since then with the Canadian opening up on the mental struggles that tennis can take.

Fernandez took to social media in a lengthy post describing the self-doubt that creeps in which is a feeling she says comes to every athlete and how she is willing to 'embrace the journey' amid her defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova as she goes from a peak to a trough in her career after recent glimmers of form.

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"I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts. While I'm disappointed with the result, I believe that both victory and defeat are part and parcel of this incredible journey in the world of tennis," said Fernandez.

"Tennis is not just about physical strength and technique; it's a mental battle that pushes me to my limits. Each match, each point, challenges my resilience and determination. And yes, there are days when the mental struggle feels overwhelming when self-doubt creeps in.

"But here's the thing: I know I'm not alone in this. Every athlete faces these moments of doubt. It's what we do with these moments that define us. I'm committed to learning and growing from these experiences, to using disappointment as fuel to push myself further and become a better player and, most importantly, a stronger person.

"I'm grateful for the unwavering support from my amazing fans, my team, and my loved ones. Your encouragement gives me the strength to keep fighting, even when things don't go as planned. Remember, setbacks are just stepping stones toward success.

"So, while this recent result stings, I'm choosing to embrace the journey, the wins and the losses, and the lessons that come with each. Thank you for standing by me, and I promise to keep giving it my all."

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Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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