Key Takeaways
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Leylah Fernandez advances to the US Open third round for the third time with a straight‑sets win
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The Canadian reflects on her 104 mph serve and jokes about improving it to 110 mph
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Fernandez highlights her mental strength, family support, and team dynamics as key to her progress
Mental resilience on court
Leylah Fernandez admitted she was not playing her best tennis in the opening set but managed to stay composed. “I wasn’t playing my best tennis, but when it mattered the most, I was able to stay focused and put mistakes behind me,” she explained, emphasizing her ability to reset and push forward.
The 104 mph serve story
The Canadian laughed about her serve speed being displayed at a recent exhibition. “Oh my goodness, this is a huge jab at me. My coaches have been like, ‘104, not fast enough,’” Fernandez said. While acknowledging the need to improve, she stressed that her serve and returns are progressing well. She even joked about aiming for 110 mph in the future.
Confidence and presence
Fernandez described her confidence as high, noting she feels more present than in past seasons. “I’m enjoying every moment of it. I feel more present than the past few years,” she said, crediting her younger sister Bianca for keeping her grounded with honest feedback.
Family influence and team dynamics
Traveling with her sister has given Fernandez both support and candid advice. Bianca, who plays at UCLA, often provides encouragement but also blunt truths. Fernandez also praised the addition of Eric Heckman to her team, saying his perspective complements her father’s guidance. “It’s the same message, but a different way of seeing it. We’re all working well together,” she noted.
Unique experiences in New York
Fernandez recalled playing in a ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria, calling it a surreal moment. “It almost felt like a fairy tale. I was like, am I playing in heels and a gown?” she joked, celebrating the uniqueness of the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhKsBnShxU0
WTA U.S. Open - Leylah Annie Fernandez's projected path
Fernandez at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently ranked no.33, Fernandez owns an overall 18-22 win-loss record in 2026. The Canadian is currently having a run at the U.S. Open where she beat the world no.54 Shuai Zhang 6-3 6-2 and the world no.94 Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4 6-1.
Leylah Annie Fernandez will take on the world no.3 Jessica Pegula in the 3rd round. Their record is 3-1 for Pegula.
Fernandez won 5 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
