Leylah Fernandez's act of pure class in US Open runner-up speech
Leylah Fernandez might have fallen just short in a memorable US Open final over the weekend, but her incredible run to the final won't soon be forgotten by New York tennis fans.
The Canadian teenager had hailed the crowd multiple times throughout her impressive run to the final, the first time two teenagers contested a grand slam final after Emma Raducanu made a brilliant run of her own.
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Though Fernandez went on to describe the experience as 'magical', during her interview after the 6-4 6-3 loss to Raducanu she clearly thank the crowd for what had become a very meaningful connection.
With the women's final taking place on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Fernandez was moved to make a point about the resiliency of New Yorkers.
Though at just 19, she was born after the attacks took place, Fernandez said she had been moved to mention it before leaving the court.
She has seen movies about 9/11 and asked her parents, who live with her in Florida after the family moved from Canada, to tell her more.
"Obviously, I don't know much about what really happened," Fernandez said.
"But with the few information that I do have, I know that New York has suffered a lot the past years when it did happen. I just wanted to let them know that they're so strong, they're so resilient. They're just incredible."
And they loved watching Fernandez - who called on them to cheer louder, which she said was uncharacteristic of the way she had always played before.
"Usually when I was younger, I'd try to be as calm as possible, just like (Roger) Federer," Fernandez said.
"I'm glad that I've discovered that of myself, that I play a lot better when I'm more - not motivated, but when I'm more outgoing and when I'm using the crowd to my advantage."
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That fired-up attitude helped the 73rd-ranked Fernandez knock off defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round, followed by 2016 champion Angelique Kerber.
Then it was Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka, giving her three victories over top-five opponents.
But all those matches went three sets and may have left Fernandez lacking the energy to mount another comeback against Raducanu, who won every match in straight sets.
Fernandez saved a couple match points before Raducanu finished her off in the first grand slam final between unseeded players ever.
"Of course Leylah is always going to play great tennis and always going to fight," 18-year-old Raducanu said.
"That's just the competitor that she is."
It wasn't good enough, but Fernandez stuck to her previous description of her time in New York.
"Yes," she said, "it's definitely magical."
Meanwhile, The Queen has sent Raducanu a message of congratulations and hailed her "remarkable achievement" after the teenager became Great Britain's first female grand slam winner in 44 years.
Her phenomenal performances have captured the imagination of many who were quick to note their appreciation for her unprecedented feat.
"I send my congratulations to you on your success in winning the United States Open Tennis Championships," a message from The Queen to Raducanu read.
"It is a remarkable achievement at such a young age, and is testament to your hard work and dedication.
"I have no doubt your outstanding performance, and that of your opponent Leylah Fernandez, will inspire the next generation of tennis players. I send my warmest good wishes to you and your many supporters."
With AAP
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