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Teen phenom Leylah Fernandez equals 22-year-old Serena Williams feat

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Leylah Fernandez (pictured right) smiling after her quarter-final win and (pictured left) Serena Williams hugging the US Open trophy.
Leylah Fernandez (pictured right) has become the youngest woman since Serena Williams (pictured left) to defeat two Top-5 players at the US Open since 1999. (Getty Images)

Teen Leylah Fernandez has captivated the tennis world after reaching the semi-final with remarkable steel and the young Canadian has now equalled a long-standing Serena Williams record.

Fernandez was involved in an all-time US Open classic after defeating 5th seed Elina Svitolina 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 with the match lasting more than three hours.

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The 19-year-old Canadian, who has become part of the teen trio including Emma Radacanu and Carlos Alcaraz, showed age is just a number as she has fearlessly bludgeoned her way through the tournament.

Fernandez defeated two-time US Open champ Naomi Osaka and 2026 champ Angelique Kerber on her way to the quarter-final.

Having turned 19 on Tuesday, Fernandez celebrated with a must-watch performance over another seeded opponent Svitolina.

Her victory to reach the semi-final put her alongside illustrious company in the record books.

Fernandez became the youngest semi-finalist at the US Open since Maria Sharapova in 2005.

Her victory meant she became the youngest woman to defeat two WTA Top-5 players at the same Grand Slam since Serena Williams in 1999.

There is no doubt the story heading into the US Open was Novak Djokovic's quest for a golden slam and a record breaking 21 major titles.

But, the 'youth movement' of Fernandez, Raducanu and Alzarac has been equally enthralling.

Leylah Fernandez stuns World No.5 Svitolina

The match became tight in the third set when Fernandez held a 4-2 lead, but faltered on serve as Svitolina showed her steely defence to claw her way back.

However, in one of her trademark patterns at this year's US Open, Fernandez showed incredible anticipation to break back in front of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Fernandez was again broke and the match was sent into a deciding tiebreak.

Leylah Fernandez smiles and gestures from the bench after defeating Elina Svitolina in the US Open.
Leylah Fernandez is all smiles from the bench after defeating Elina Svitolina in the US Open quarterfinals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

At 5-5 in the tiebreak, Fernandez hit a remarkable winner down the line and then served out the match to reach her first ever grand slam semi-final.

"I honestly have no idea what I'm feeling right now. Throughout the whole match I was so nervous," Fernandez said in her on-court interview post-match.

"I was trying to do what my coach told me to do. Thanks to the New York crowd, cheering me on, fighting for me and never giving up, I was able to push through today.

Leylah Fernandez reacts after winning her quarter-finals match against Elina Svitolina.
Leylah Fernandez reacts after winning her quarter-finals match against Elina Svitolina. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

"Svitolina, she's a great player, she fought for everything, she runs for everything. I'm honoured to have a fight with her.

"I just told myself to trust my shots, trust that everything's going to go well. Even if I lose, I've got to go for it, and I'm glad I did."

with AAP

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