"Pinch me, I must be dreaming": Leylah Fernandez shocked by Tennis Canada and Billie Jean King Cup award success
WTAFriday, 22 December 2023 at 05:30
Young tennis star Leylah Fernandez has thanked her coaches
and fans after being named Canada’s Player of the Year.
The 21-year-old was named the country’s Player of the Year in
2023 by the Canadian tennis federation on Tuesday. Fernandez was recently
quoted in a report where she thanked her support staff and the fans for backing in winning a prestigious award.
"Massive thanks to the incredible souls who cast their
votes and cheered me on every step of the way. Snagging player of the year and
the BJK Finals Heart Award? Pinch me, I must be dreaming,” she said. "Big
love to my rockstar Team Canada, the powerhouse performance crew, my coach
who's my secret weapon, and of course, my fam.”
Fernandez is often regarded as one of the most highly-rated
players in the women’s singles category currently playing in the circuit. She
made a name for herself after playing in the final of the US Open in 2021 where
she lost to Britain’s Emma Raducanu in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
In 2023, the current world number 35 did not have a great
time, especially while playing in the Grand Slams where despite playing in the main
round of all the mega-events, she could not manage to qualify for the third
round or beyond.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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