Leylah Annie Fernandez is the last Canadian standing in the French Open after the early exit of Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Vasek Pospisil and Genie Bouchard. The teenager is the no.86 in the live rankings and therefore she will definitely break into the top100 after the end of the Roland Garros.
During a recent interview, the 18-year-old admitted that the transition from juniors to professionals was particularly hard. However, she was inspired to see how Coco Gauff managed to play well in top tournaments. The young American stunned the tennis world after reaching the second week in Wimbledon and the Australian when she was still 15. Leylah Annie said:
“Honestly, it’s really difficult the transition from juniors to professional. Coco [Gauff] makes it seems like it’s easy but it’s hard. You’ve got to get used to the pace and keep grinding from 25ks to WTA Internationals, finding solutions and keep working hard and try to perfect your game as much as you can.
Hopefully, the results will be there and up to now they have.”
Next match vs. Petra Kvitova
Leylah Annie Fernandez will compete against Kvitova in the 3rd round. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far in top tournaments.
The young Canadian sounds quite eager to play the Czech champion to comment:
“It won’t be an easy match. She’s a great player. She went through some difficult times and still bounced back to be in the top 10. I remember watching her winning the Wimbledon championships. The way she played was really inspiring. The way she conducts herself off the court, she’s very professional.
I’m excited and can’t wait to play.”
Fernandez at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2020
Currently the world no.100, Leylah Annie has a 20-9 win-loss record in 2020. The Canadian is playing at the French Open where she defeated Magda Linette 1-6 6-2 6-3 and Polona Hercog 6-4 3-6 6-1.
The Canadian was the finalist in Acapulco this year.
Cori Gauff in 2020
Currently the world no.51, Cori played her last match on the 30th of September when she capitulated to Martina Trevisan 4-6 6-2 7-5 in the 2nd round of the French Open.
Cori Gauff’s best achievement of the present season was reaching the semi-finals in Lexington.
Leylah Annie Fernandez and Cori Gauff have never played each other.
