Leylah Fernandez continues stunning US Open run by beating Elina Svitolina

Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez continued her stunning giant-killing run at the US Open with victory over Elina Svitolina to reach her first Grand Slam semi-final.
Fernandez, who turned 19 on Monday, had already taken out two former champions in Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber and she added fifth seed Svitolina to the list to become the youngest semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows since Maria Sharapova.
The young Canadian has demonstrated ferocious ball striking, immense athleticism and a tremendous competitive zeal in her run, and it was the same here, Fernandez failing to serve out the match but coming through in a tie-break for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5) victory.
🇨🇦 LEYLAH 🇨🇦 FERNANDEZ 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/pX3HVO60CN
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2021
It was another sensational match at a tournament that keeps hitting new heights, and Fernandez said: “I honestly have no idea what I’m feeling right now. Throughout the whole match I was so nervous.
“I was trying to do what my coach told me to do. Thanks to the New York crowd, cheering me on, fighting for me and never giving up, I was able to push through today.
“Svitolina, she’s a great player, she fought for everything, she runs for everything. I’m honoured to have a fight with her. I just told myself to trust my shots, trust that everything’s going to go well. Even if I lose, I’ve got to go for it, and I’m glad I did.”
Fernandez has become a big crowd favourite and there was a first glimpse of what has already become a trademark celebration – part exhortation to the stands, part fist pump – when she broke Svitolina to lead 4-2 in the opening set.
LEYLAH!!!11!1!1!!!!!11!!
🎥: @usopen | @leylahfernandezpic.twitter.com/i2Oswlpm8K
— wta (@WTA) September 7, 2021
Svitolina, who had not dropped a set through four matches, has reached the latter stages of grand slams many times without ever really threatening to win one.
It has been an excellent summer for the Ukrainian on and off the court, though, with her wedding to fellow player Gael Monfils followed by a much treasured Olympic bronze medal.
Monfils cheered from the stands alongside Svitolina’s British coach Andrew Bettles as the fifth seed mounted a second-set recovery, cutting out the errors and moving into a 5-1 lead.

Back came Fernandez, who had chances to get back on serve at 5-4, but Svitolina quelled the teenager’s fire to level the match.
The momentum and experience was with Svitolina but Fernandez has been tearing up the script all fortnight and, as she had against Kerber, she saved her best for the deciding set.
Fernandez was everywhere and, although Svitolina hit back straight away after being broken for 3-1, the Canadian struck again and opened up a 5-2 lead.

Svitolina, though, was not finished, showing terrific mental fortitude of her own to get back on level terms and force a deciding tie-break.
Nerves were on display from both, with Fernandez opening up a 4-1 lead only to help Svitolina level at 4-4.
A net cord on a passing shot helped Fernandez bring up a first match point, and Svitolina blazed a return long as the tournament of the teens continued.
Latest
-
News
Australian Open day 10 wrap: Novak Djokovic rolls towards 10th Melbourne title
The story of the 10th day of action from Melbourne Park.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic pays tribute to Roger Federer: ‘Tennis misses him
Few sports can match tennis in how great rivals can also have huge respect for one another, like how Novak Djokovic hailed Roger Federer.
-
Australian Open
Novak Djokovic reaches Australian Open semi-finals after outclassing Andrey Rublev
The nine-time champion Novak Djokovic set up a clash with American Tommy Paul for a place in the final.
-
Australian Open
Tommy Paul gets better of Ben Shelton to reach Australian Open semi-final
Tommy Paul claimed a 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Ben Shelton on Rod Laver Arena.
-
Australian Open
Stefanos Tsitsipas hails Mark Philippoussis’ influence on Australian Open credentials
There is a growing belief Stefanos Tsitsipas will break his Grand Slam duck in Melbourne this week, with a local favourite in his camp.
-
Australian Open
Magda Linette shares inspirational message after reaching last four
Magda Linette admitted that she has been prone to beating herself up over losses.
-
Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka to take on Magda Linette in Australian Open semi-finals after Donna Vekic rout
Sabalenka defeated Donna Vekic while unseeded Linette upset Karolina Pliskova.
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe on rumours Rafael Nadal may be contemplating retirement
Tennis legend John McEnroe comments on the rumours Rafael Nadal may be set to retire.
-
Australian Open
John McEnroe enters the debate on Novak Djokovic’s hamstring injury
Tennis legend John McEnroe has admitted he is confused by Novak Djokovic’s hamstring problem at the Australian Open.
-
Grand Slam
Jelena Dokic blasts body-shaming trolls over offensive social media commentary
Jelena Dokic takes a stand against trolls.