Fernandez adopts underdog mentality ahead of Roland Garros quarterfinal

Despite being seeded at this year's Roland Garros, Leylah Fernandez says she still plays with an underdog mentality as she has a lot to prove whenever she takes to the tennis court.

The Canadian shocked the tennis world by reaching the final of last year's US Open, and has since become a household name. Reaching a career-high of World No.17, Fernandez believes her sudden rise has put a big target on her back.

"Every time I step out on the court I still have something to prove," said the 19-year old. "I still have that mindset I'm the underdog. I'm still young, I still have a lot to show to the people, to the public so that they can just enjoy the tennis match. That's ultimately my goal, and that's why I want to do well in matches."

After reaching her maiden Grand Slam final in New York last year, Fernandez has shown that she's capable of performing well on clay as well. She reached her second Grand Slam quarterfinal on Sunday after defeating the in-form Amanda Anisimova in a tight three-setter, and is already viewed as somewhat of a clay-court specialist.

"I think it's actually pretty amazing that the media came up with Clay-lah, because I have no creativity for that," said Fernandez of her nicknames. "I wouldn't think of that nickname, but my family do use the nickname Leylannie, using my first and middle name, and they put it together, which I always like. I know that I'm doing things right or I'm being a good kid when they're calling me Leylannie."

Fernandez will face Italian Martina Trevisan for a spot in the French Open semifinal.