“Maybe we could have a conversation about it”: Leylah Fernandez admits she never spoke with Emma Raducanu about the 2021 US Open final
Leylah Fernandez Reflects on 2021 US Open Breakthrough and Her Growth Since
Leylah Fernandez recently looked back on her remarkable run to the 2021 US Open final, where she faced Emma Raducanu in what became the youngest Grand Slam final of the century. The then 18-year-old Raducanu defeated Fernandez, who had just turned 19, in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, marking a historic moment in tennis.
Neither player was seeded, making their deep runs all the more stunning. Along the way, Fernandez defeated 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
Now 22 years old, Fernandez has established herself as a consistent force on the WTA Tour, finishing three consecutive seasons inside the top 40 and reaching a career-high ranking of No. 13 in 2022. She has since won three WTA 250 titles, reached the French Open quarterfinals, and accumulated over 200 career 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 from Abu Dhabi. “I was excited about everything, and that excitement brought in adrenaline, and that adrenaline brought in a lot of energy.”
“But now, because I’ve traveled so much and I’m still playing the same tournaments, I get bored a lot easier. It’s something I’ve been working on with my team. I appreciate that they’re willing to go above and beyond with my antics.”
Dealing With Pressure and High Expectations
Fernandez recalled how quickly her profile skyrocketed after her first Grand Slam final.
“It came in quick and it came in fast,” she 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, Fernandez was asked if she had ever discussed the 2021 US Open final with Raducanu.
“It would be interesting,” she admitted. “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, we could have a conversation about it. But for now, you can’t be thinking about the past—you have to be thinking about what you’re doing right now.”
Aiming for a Breakthrough in 2025
Currently ranked No. 27, Fernandez has started the 2025 season with a 6-3 record, with two of her losses coming against world No. 3 Coco Gauff. Despite the setbacks, she remains confident in her game and believes she is on the brink of a ranking breakthrough.
“I think I am at that level right now,” she said. “A lot of the players know me, and 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, and we’re just trying to get a little bit better so we can get an edge.”
As Fernandez continues to refine her game, her focus remains on elevating her level and competing against the sport’s elite, with hopes of reclaiming the form that made her one of the most exciting young stars in 2021.
