“Special” Raducanu has “something to prove” on return to tour – Leylah Fernandez

A little over two years on from the most unexpected Grand Slam final in tennis history, Leylah Fernandez – who was one of the two star acts in the 2021 US Open final – still believes her opponent from that day has “something special.”

For those who need reminding, it was Emma Raducanu who beat Fernandez on September 11th 2021 to cap – arguably – the most incredible story the sport has ever seen.

While much of the feverish discussion in the aftermath of such a seismic event was on the limitless future of two of tennis’ most exciting young players, the reality proved much more difficult for Raducanu and Fernandez.

Both have struggled considerably since their encounter on Arthur Ashe, a match that remains the pair’s only competitive meeting.

The former British No 1 has not been past the second round of a Grand Slam since winning the US Open, and is yet to add a second title to her name. Raducanu’s 2023 season also ended prematurely, with her undergoing wrist and ankle surgery back in May. She is not scheduled to return to competitive action until next year.

With her current ranking having plummeted to 280, amid what will be more than six months away from tour after extensive surgeries, it would be tempting to dismiss Raducanu’s achievements as a one-off aberration.

Leylah Fernandez, clearly, does not think this is the case.

“I know Emma is working hard, I know she is hungry, she has something to prove, so I’m sure she’s going to come back and play some great tennis.

“Hopefully, we do see her because she is great for the sport. She has got something special for the WTA and for women’s tennis. Hopefully, we can both compete at the highest level once again side by side.”

Fernandez on “extremely hard” fall-out from US Open final

While Fernandez’s post-2021 exploits have not run into quite the same difficulties that Raducanu’s have, it has still been a challenging time for the Canadian.

Fernandez was on the verge of dropping out of the top 100 earlier this year as she struggled for any sort of form or consistency.

“I think it was hard on both of us adjusting to the new life,” Fernandez explains.

“It is extremely hard. In the past, you think that you are grounded and you are the same person, quote unquote, but the reality is we grow and we mature, and sometimes what happens to us is we don’t want to see the truth.

“I’m very happy and glad that I do have my parents and a good team around me that tell me the truth, even though I don’t like it. They help me stay grounded.”

I know what I need to do to get back on track

Leylah Fernandez on re-finding her best form

Despite these struggles, Fernandez has won two or her three career titles since her astonishing run to the final at Flushing Meadows, including an excellent title run in Hong Kong last week – a triumph that has helped catapult the Canadian back up to No 43 in the world.

“Right now, I know what it feels like to, let’s say, not be grounded. I know what it feels like to have my head up in the clouds, to take it easy.

“But I also know what I need to do to get back on track. Now I’ve got a plan, I’m clear minded and know what I need to do.

“Hopefully, the results keep coming, and hopefully, the good times aren’t done, but I’m just going to enjoy my time right now.”

The Canadian No 1 has only just turned 21, with three WTA titles already under her belt and the nonreplicable experience of playing in a Grand Slam final.

With a fresh mindset geared towards staying grounded and present, and a game that can evidently equal the sport’s elite when in full-flight, Fernandez’s future career prospects appear as healthy as they ever have been.

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