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New York – The first time Leylah Fernandez crossed with Alex Eala, it marked the start of a connection beyond tennis – a shaped by shared inheritance and mutual respect.
“Alex is an incredible player,” said Fernandez Inquirer.net USA In an interview seated on Saturday at the US Open Media Center. “Earlier this year, I didn’t have the chance to really talk to her, but we still meet. We always say hello.”
For Fernandez, the Canadian left-hander who took over the United States Open final in 2021, Eala stands out not only as a compatriot of the South but also as anhlete whose intensity and concentration never fail to impress.
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Left compatriots
“Yesterday, for Bravo’s 150th anniversary, we finally had the chance to really have a conversation,” she said.
“She is such a sweet girl. Each time I watch her play, I like how intense and concentrated she is. We are other left -handers, so it’s always pleasant to see. And she is super aggressive in court, so I know there are certainly great things to come. She has done a lot this year, and I hope it continues.”
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Leylah Fernandez interviewed by Inquirer.net USA At the US Open Media Center. Photo by Georgio Dano
Fernandez said that she admired Eala’s influence as a model for young athletes in the Philippine diaspora.
“She inspires many young Philippins and Philippins to continue their trip, whether in sport or other passions,” she said.
Leylah Fernandez kisses her Philippine roots
The 22 -year -old Montreal native, whose mother, Irene is from the Philippines, thought about the lasting impact of her inheritance.
“The Philippine roots definitively inspired me on and off the field growing up,” said Fernandez.
“Whenever I visit my lolo in Mississauga, they present me the Filipino food and culture. As I improved in tennis, I saw how close culture is, the passion they have for their athletes, and how much they support and want athletes to succeed. It is not only in tennis – there is boxing, race, race, whatever the passion.
Photo by Georgio Dano
Freshly out of its title race in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Fernandez is looking to take momentum in New York. Sunday, she returned to court 17 for her American open match, scheduled for 12:40 p.m.
As for future plans, Fernandez dreams of visiting the Philippines.
“It was my dream,” she said. “I want to do a tennis clinic there, visit the cities where my Lolo and Lola were born, and enjoy culture. It would be an incredible family trip to all of us. ”
When asked how she manages the pressure in high issues, Fernandez said she will host the challenge.
“For me, I like the challenge. This is not really a pressure but a moment that I have always dreamed of – playing against higher players, enjoying my time, and that the best player arrives in the next round.”
