NEW YORK -- Leylah Fernandez, 18, raised her right hand to celebrate each winner. She beat Flushing Meadows' previous title winner.
The unseeded Fernandez showed grit, determination, and an old-timers' poise when faced with a huge deficit against Angelique Kerber, defeating her 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-2 in Sunday's fourth round at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Kerber, 16th, stated that it was only two, three points that decided the match. "She took it in her arms.
Fernandez lost the first set, just like Osaka at Arthur Ashe Stadium two night earlier. Fernandez lost the first set just like Osaka. Kerber won the second set by four sets to 1. The 73rd-ranked Canadian won the match on a big court. She exulted each time she hit one her impossible-angle, on-the-run groundstrokes.
She'd pump a fist. She would windmill her arms. She was able to windmill her arms repeatedly, resulting in a 45-28 advantage in winners.
How can Fernandez keep her cool in tight matches with foes who have been through similar moments to hers?
Fernandez stated, "I honestly don’t know." Fernandez said, "I just try and use all my training back home. I was told to go through it one by one and that's what i tried to concentrate on. It was an easy task and I was happy with the results.
Fernandez, a left-handed player, redirects opponents' shots quickly and seems to do so with ease. Fernandez will sometimes drop to the ground near the baseline in order to gain the necessary leverage. This is a similar style to Kerber's to get to No. You'll be ranked No. 1 and will also win three Grand Slam titles.
Kerber stated, "She's always... enjoying her tennis outside there. Kerber said, "I believe she can go really high in the next few years."
Kerber would be a good judge. Kerber would know. She has won more matches at US Open and all Grand Slam tournaments than any other female in the draw. She is 33 years old and has been playing well enough to reach the Wimbledon semifinals. Fernandez was unable to stay with her and she seemed annoyed by this, as she looked at Fernandez's guest box with arms stretched out while murmuring something in the final match.
She seemed to be steadily improving and was ready to push Fernandez in set 3. Kerber had a break point and had a chance to win 3-1. But Fernandez won the match with a crosscourt forehand.
Kerber would not claim another game.
Fernandez won the victory for her final attempt to make a stand. Kerber was again at break point but Fernandez won with an on-the run forehand win. Match point was created by a corner-to-corner backhand, which somehow extended a point before Kerber missed. Kerber's backhand into net was the final straw.
Fernandez raised her arms and then smiled. She leaned forward, her hands resting on her knees, and put her hands on her hips. Fernandez stood up and patted her chest using her palm. Kerber moved around the net and offered a clasp of her hands and an arm around Fernandez.
Fernandez, who has never advanced beyond the third round in a major tournament, will now meet No. In the quarterfinals, Fernandez will meet No. 5 seed Elina Stvitolina.
Svitolina defeated Simona Halep, a two-time Grand Slam champion, in straight sets on Sunday. She hasn't dropped a single set during the tournament.
Fernandez stated that he hoped Armstrong would be cheering him on and that they would all be watching to see what happens.
Fernandez is one of many new faces at this most turbulent of US Opens. The question at the beginning of each day was "Who will pull off surprise?" There are often multiple answers each night.
Other fourth-round matches for women were held Sunday by Wimbledon runner up and No. Aryna Sabalenka, 2nd seed, defeated No. 15 Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-1. Garbine Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion, was to take on Barbora Krejcikova, 2021 French Open champ, later in the evening.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.
