Leylah Fernandez ‘can’t wait to compete again’ after receiving ‘pretty good advice’ from Maria Sharapova
She won’t divulge details about their conversation, but Leylah Fernandez has revealed she recently met with “amazing person” Maria Sharapova, who gave her great advice.
Rising star Fernandez made the world sit up and take note of her talent at the US Open in September where she finished runner-up to fellow teenager Emma Raducanu.
Two days after the final, the 19-year-old Canadian attended the Met Gala in New York and she got the chance to speak to five-time Grand Slam winner and former world No 1 Sharapova.
“She gave me some pretty good advice,” Fernandez said. “I don’t want to disclose any of it because it’s very personal for me.
“She’s an amazing person. She told me her own experience and the way that she was able to bounce back and she’s just a great person, great inspiration to kind of look up to.”
The Canadian has had a whirlwind few weeks as she went from a relatively unknown player to attending one of the biggest fashion events in the world.
“That was definitely an experience to get ready, to put on the makeup, get the hair done, putting on the heels for the very first time,” she said.
“It was a little hard to walk on at first. The one thing on my mind going up the stairs in the Met was don’t fall down. Just walk one foot in front of the other.”
New kid on the block 🇨🇦 #TennisParadise looks good on you @leylahfernandez 🌴 pic.twitter.com/VWSZRVPOxo
— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) October 3, 2021
However, she will finally return to action this week as she will take part in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The 23rd seed will face either qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse or Alize Cornet in the second round.
“I’m very lucky to have a great team around me to just let me focus on my craft, on my tennis, and not be overwhelmed with everything that’s going right now,” said Fernandez.
“Honestly I just can’t wait to be back on the tennis court competing again.”
Latest
-
WimbledonNick Kyrgios snaps back after being branded “evil” and “a bully” by Stefanos Tsitsipas
The main interview room at Wimbledon was…
-
NewsNick Kyrgios roadshow rumbles on at Wimbledon as he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in bad-tempered thriller
Nick Kyrgios knocked out Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round.
-
WimbledonRafael Nadal sees off Lorenzo Sonego and insists there was nothing ‘spicy’ about net conversation
Rafael Nadal marches on at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonIga Swiatek philosophical after her incredible streak ends with Wimbledon exit
Iga Swiatek seeing her glass as half full.
-
WimbledonCameron Norrie on facing Tommy Paul at Wimbledon: ‘Good friends off the court, but it’s going to be a battle’
Norrie takes on his practice partner in the fourth round at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonAlize Cornet after snapping Iga Swiatek’s 37-match winning streak: ‘Good wine always ages well’
Alize Cornet is aging like a fine wine as the veteran upset Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon.
-
WimbledonAmanda Anisimova sees off Coco Gauff at Wimbledon for ‘most special day of my career’
Gauff failed to make the fourth round on her third appearance at the Championships.
-
WimbledonImpressive Alex De Minaur ends Liam Broady’s Wimbledon journey in third round
World No132 joined compatriot Katie Boulter in bowing out on day six of the Championships.
-
WimbledonKatie Boulter ’emotionally drained’ as she admits Harmony Tan match was ‘one step too far for me’
It has been an emotional week for Boulter following the death of her grandmother.
-
WimbledonTatjana Maria keeps daughter happy with Wimbledon run, but hopes to help next generation of WTA moms
The mum-of-two beat Maria Sakkari to secure a maiden fourth-round appearance at a major.