Leylah Annie Fernandez, 19, beat Aryna Sabalenka, 23, in 3 sets at the Arthur Ashe stadium this evening to become the youngest US Open finalist this century.
Fernandez who represents Canada beat the women’s world number 2 Sabalenka who represents Belarus, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.
🇨🇦 @leylahfernandez IS A GRAND SLAM FINALIST! pic.twitter.com/hK21AC2M8T
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
Fernandez, who turned 19 years old 4 days ago (6th September) played fantastically well under the intensity of the occasion.
Fernandez, who beat former US Open champion, Naomi Osaka in round 2 was cheered on all match by the American crowd.
She was also supported by her box where her mother Irene Exevea, fitness coach Duglas Cordero, sisters Bianca Jolie and Jodeci as well as Canadian basketball coach Steve Nash were sat.
Fernandez’s box has been as energetic as her.#usopen | leylah fernandez pic.twitter.com/c7HsoRi0rW
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) September 10, 2021
What ethnicity is Leylah Annie Fernandez
Leylah is half Filipino and half Ecuadorian. Her mother Irene, who has been watching every game in the stands in New York is Filipino born and raised in Canada. Her family originally came from the Philippines but moved before Irene was born.
While her father Jorge (who is also her coach) is Ecuadorian born to two Peruvian parents. His family moved to Canada when he was 4 years old and he gained Canadian citizenship when he was 14 years old. Jorge Fernandez has represented Ecuador internationally in football.
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Leylah Fernandez will play the US Open final on Saturday against the winner of the second semi final Raducanu vs Sakkari.
The match will be available on Amazon Prime and starts from 9pm UK time.