"Maybe we could have a conversation about it": Leylah Fernandez admits she never spoke with Emma Raducanu about the 2021 US Open final
WTA
Leylah Fernandez recently reflected on her breakthrough run at the 2021 US Open, where she unexpectedly reached the final against Emma Raducanu in what became the youngest Grand Slam final of the century. The then 18-year-old Brit defeated Fernandez—who had turned 19 just days earlier—6-4, 6-3.
It was a historic final, not only as one of the few Grand Slam finals contested by teenagers but also because neither player was seeded. Fernandez had a remarkable run, taking down three top-5 players—Naomi Osaka (third round), Elina Svitolina (quarterfinals), and Aryna Sabalenka (semifinals)—as well as three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber in the fourth round.
"I get frustrated with myself": Fernandez on managing expectations after US Open final
Fernandez, 22 years old, has cemented herself as a Tour regular, finishing three consecutive seasons inside the top 40 and achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 13 in 2022. The Canadian has since reached the French Open quarterfinals, won three WTA 250 titles, and surpassed 200 career WTA matches (with a 119-86 record).
“It’s crazy when I say I was younger—because I’m still really young—but three years ago, I was so naïve,” Fernandez said Tuesday from Abu Dhabi. “I was excited about everything, and that excitement brought in adrenaline, and that adrenaline brought in a lot of energy.”
“But I guess now, because I’ve traveled a lot and I’m still playing the same tournaments, I get bored a lot easier. It’s been something I’ve been working on with my team. I appreciate that they’re willing to go above and beyond with my antics.”
Leylah with the tiebreakers 🙌@leylahfernandez overcomes Uchijima 7-6(3), 7-6(0) in just over 2 hours!#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen pic.twitter.com/GzFKmXXV4g
— wta (@WTA) February 4, 2025
Fernandez recalled how quickly her name became well-known after reaching her first Grand Slam final. “It came in quick and it came in fast,” Fernandez told WTATennis.com. “Pre-US Open there was pressure, but not like there is now. It’s been very difficult. I have high goals, high objectives, and that pushes me. And when I don’t accomplish those goals, I get angry with myself. Unfortunately, I also get angry at my team.”
“My dad knows how much my objectives sometimes frustrate me. He’s able to tell me, 'OK, you can calm down now.’ Or 'Use that energy the right way on the tennis court.’ Having him in my corner really does help.”
After defeating Moyuka Uchijima 7-6(3), 7-6(0) in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open, the Canadian reflected on the 2021 US Open final against Raducanu and admitted they never discussed it. “It would be interesting,” Fernandez said. “But now, because it’s in-season and we want to do well in our own careers, we try to put it behind us. We don’t want to focus on it too much.”
“Maybe at the end of the season when we cross paths, maybe we could have a conversation about it. For now, you can’t be thinking about the past, you have to be thinking about what you’re doing right now.”
Currently ranked world No. 27, Fernandez holds a 6-3 record in 2025, with two of her losses coming against world No. 3 Coco Gauff. She expressed confidence in her game and hopes to make a ranking breakthrough this season.
“I think I am at that level right now,” she said. “A lot of the players know me, there’s a lot more video. I do a lot of video analysis and we always look for holes and weaknesses in our opponents, and I’m sure they’re doing the same for me.
“All the players are improving and getting better every year. I feel like my tennis is where it was in 2021, we’re just trying to get that a little bit better so we can get an edge.”
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