"I need to get that Grand Slam under my belt" - Fernandez looks to build on breakout year

Following her breakout 2021 season in which she took the tennis world by storm, Leylah Fernandez has high hopes for the future as her confidence continues to grow.

The 19-year old stunned defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round of the US Open, defeating three Top 5 players before falling to Emma Raducanu in the final. Nonetheless, the Canadian was pleased with her results, and especially proud of her mental fortitude during that period.

"I think I did a good job near the end. I was able to bounce back after difficult months and that's what I was most proud of," Fernandez told CBC Sports.

"The biggest improvement I [made] was [being] able to forget — have that mentality to forget about the past matches, forget about the past results and just focus on the tournament that's going on right now."

Coached by her father Jorge, Fernandez began the year as World No.88 but ended the season ranked 24th. Her father always believed in her ability to reach great heights, which played a role in her sudden rise.

"When we decided to pursue the professional career, we wanted to be No. 1," Jorge said. "Of course a lot of people will say you're crazy, a lot of people would laugh at that goal because of many reasons. But for us, it's what we believe in. We really believe it, we breathe it."

After such a successful year, during which she won her maiden WTA title in Monterrey, the goals for the upcoming season have not been lost on the duo.

"My dad and I, that's No. 1 that's on our wall, saying, 'every year, we have to finish with great health and to still have that love for the sport,'" said Fernandez. "Because if you can't have that love for the sport, it's so hard to restart training, to keep pushing the limits to our physical ability [and] mental ability, for the next season.

"No. 2, tennis-wise, get to finish the year top 10, play the WTA Finals. Afterwards, win a few WTA titles — 250s, 500s 1000s, and obviously I need to get that Grand Slam under my belt."