Leylah Fernandez of Canada returns a shot against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during the quarterfinals [+] at the US Open tennis championships. Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in New York. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) ASSOCIATED PRESS
After hitting a forehand win to earn a break, Leylah Anne Fernandez raised her right hand to the cheering Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. She then raised her hands high above her head to encourage more noise.
With a loud boom of cheers, the crowd responded.
Fernandez turned 19 on Monday. She is celebrating her birthday week with style.
The Montreal native, who is currently training in Boynton Beach (Fla.), has reached the U.S. Open semifinals. She defeated No. 6-3, 3-6 and 7-6(5). Elina Svitolina, 5th seed, won Tuesday's match. In 2021, she had made $374,000 and was now able to take home $675,000 to reach the semifinals. She could also win $2.5 million if her title is won.
Rennae Stubbs, Rennae Fernandez's coach, said that she had no idea how she felt right now. I was nervous, and I tried to do my coach Jorge Fernandez's instructions. Thanks to you guys, the crowd and the New York crowd, it was possible to get through today.
The charismatic and confident left-hander has defeated Naomi Osaka (four-time major champion), Angelique Kerber (three-time major champion) and the world No. Five consecutive Svitolina victories came from a set, a breakdown in Kerber's wins over Osaka. Since Serena Williams was 18 years old, she is the first woman to beat the Open's top-5 players. En route to winning the 1999 crown, Serena defeated Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport.
FILE - Serena Williams, the US, plays Aliaksandra Sashnovich, Belarus, for the women’s singles... [+] First round match of day two at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London on Tuesday June 29, 2021. Williams was added to the U.S. Open's list of major-name withdrawals on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 when she pulled out of the Grand Slam tournament due to a torn Achilles. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigginsworth, file) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Serena will not be there this year because of a torn right hamstring, but a procession made up of teenagers (Fernandez, Emma Raducanu (18-years-old Brit) and Carlos Alcaraz (18-years-old Spain) is giving New Yorkers plenty to cheer about.
Raducanu will face Belinda Bencic in Wednesday's quarterfinals. Alcaraz, the heir apparent of Rafael Nadal was scheduled to face Canadian Felix Auger/Aliassime later Tuesday evening. Canada will have two players in semifinals if Auger-Aliassime beats Canada, after Denis Shapovalov of Canada reached the Wimbledon semifinals.
When asked why Canadians are doing so well, I replied that it was the maple syrup.
After beating Shelby Rogers of the United States in the fourth round, Emma Raducanu (Britain) waves to the crowd. This was in New York on Monday, September 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). ASSOCIATED PRESS
These youngsters are making headlines at one of the most exciting Opens ever.
Patrick McEnroe, ESPN's host, said that this tournament would struggle to find the buzz factor, it factor, entertainment value. While the tennis was always going to be top-notch, the players, especially the younger ones, have elevated it to a new level with the support of their fans. They've embraced it.
It was amazing to see them step up on the big stage and deliver great tennis, great entertainment and great sportsmanship. It's been an incredible week for tennis.
Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts to scoring a point against Elina Stvitolina, from Ukraine, during the quarterfinals at the US Open tennis championships. This was Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in New York. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Fernandez served for the match at 5-3. Svitolina won break point with a deep approach shot followed by an overhead smash that brought Svitolina within 4-5.
Fernandez won a tiebreak at 2-1 with an forehand return winner.
Fernandez was at 5-all in the breaker when she hit a running forehand pass shot that clipped and landed in. This gave her a match point.
Fernandez was able to reach the baseline and touch Svitolina before she reached out to hug her.
Jorge Fernandez, Fernandez's father and coach, didn't travel from Florida to New York, reportedly because he is superstitious.
He told CBS12 Florida that he felt a sense of pure happiness as a father. She said, "Not many people can achieve their dreams. She's already living hers as we speak. And she is very aware that these are the first steps to a successful career.
After her win, Leylah said: I was told so many things by my dad, but today he just told me to have fun and fight for every point. Todays your first quarterfinals, dont make it your last.
Although almost no one believed Fernandez could make it to the semifinals of the tournament, she apparently did.
When asked by Osaka about her win over Osaka, she replied: "From the beginning, right before match, I knew that I could win."
Although Serena Williams is not here, Fernandez is doing something that has not been seen since Serena's arrival more than 20 years ago.
The 19-year old is now one match away from the Grand Slam final.
Who would not bet against her?
