Leylah Fernandez determined to take all-round game to next level, but happy to have ‘underdog mindset’
Leylah Fernandez continued her upward curve as she broke new ground at Roland Garros on Sunday, defeating Amanda Anisimova to reach the quarter-final for the first time.
After a tight three-set win over 14th seed Belinda Bencic in a feisty third-round clash, Fernandez again had to go the distance as she beat the American 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in just under two hours.
Following her heroics at the US Open last year where she finished runner-up to Emma Raducanu, Fernandez has enjoyed a mixed year as she lost in the first round of the Australian Open and failed to really get an extended run on clay in the lead-up to the French Open. The highlight of her campaign to date was the successful defence of her Monterrey Open trophy in February.
🎙️ "I only focus on my game." 👉😑👈
Confident Leylah Fernandez 🇨🇦 reveals her key strategy to make her way into #RolandGarros quarters for the first time. pic.twitter.com/xvM7JzAZnk
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 29, 2022
But it is all about improving for the Canadian.
“I think I’m improving more and more and understanding my game, that’s the most important thing,” she said.
“That was our goal after the US Open, that we just want to improve my tennis game, my all-around game, and just keep getting those opportunities and see where my level is at and see where I can improve for the next match.”
She added: “I think I just understood that there is a process, and it’s still a long year, very long year, and I just need to calm myself down, calm my mind down, and just accept that things are going to be tough.
“Things are going to go sideways in a match, in a practice, and just understand that I’ve got more tools in my toolbox that I can use and just find solutions.”
The 19-year-old, who won the French Open girls’ title in 2019, will face world No 59 Martina Trevisan for a place in the semi-finals, but she is happy to continue her status as underdog.
“Every time I step out on the court I still have something to prove,” said Fernandez,
“I still have that mindset I’m the underdog. I’m still young, I still have a lot to show to the people, to the public so that they can just enjoy the tennis match.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.