Raducanu and Fernandez share contrasting fates following US Open performances

The 2021 US Open witnessed the emergence of two stars on the WTA circuit, with Britain's Emma Raducanu and Canada's Leylah Fernandez captivating the tennis world as they slayed former champions and top seeds to reach the final.

Raducanu proved to be the better player on that fateful Sunday, defeating Fernandez in straight sets to capture her maiden Grand Slam title. Subsequently, both ladies were thrust into the spotlight, with high expectations already set in place for each.

However, after taking some time off, the pair suffered different fates at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells tournament, their first event since storming New York. Raducanu, who made the odd decision to fire her coach a few days after her victory at Flushing Meadows, fell in straight sets in her opening round match against World No.100 Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

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Alternatively, Fernandez cruised through her opening match against World No.64 Alize Cornet in just 81 minutes. The Canadian would eventually bow out in the fourth round after an almost three-hour brawl with American Shelby Rogers, falling in a third set tiebreaker.

Critics of Raducanu were quick to blame her loss on her lack of coaching, as the 18-year old went to the desert without one and briefly worked with Jeremy Bates, who is currently coaching Britain's Katie Boulter. In her post-match interview, Raducanu stated she would love to find an experienced coach who was willing to work with her.

"I would love to have someone with great experience right now by my side, so if any experienced coaches are out there looking, you know where to find me,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going on, I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I’m sure my team and everyone will try and find a solution. I wasn’t joking. If anyone knows any experienced coaches…”