On Tuesday afternoon, a magical run for 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez continued a remarkable run at the U.S. Open.
Earlier this week, women’s tennis star Naomi Osaka was upset by then-18-year-old Leylah Fernandez. Just a few days later, Fernandez upset No. 16 seed Angelique Kerber, a three-time Grand Slam champion.
But she wasn’t done there. Just a day after celebrating her 19th birthday, Fernandez took down Elina Svitolina – the No. 5 seed in the women’s bracket.
She won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 over the bronze medalist from the 2020 Olympics.
The sports world was captured by her incredible performance.
“What a battle! & what a breakthrough! 19 yrs,1 day old @leylahfernandez to the @usopen semis. defeated Osaka, Kerber, and now Svitolina in 3 set thrillers. The lefty is about 5’4″ but packs a big forehand, fights like hell. She’s Won NY hearts too. Love seeing new stars arrive,” ESPN’s Chris Fowler said on Twitter.
what a battle! & what a breakthrough! 19 yrs,1 day old @leylahfernandez 🇨🇦 to the @usopen semis. defeated Osaka, Kerber, and now Svitolina in 3 set thrillers. The lefty is about 5’4″ but packs a big forehand, fights like hell. She’s Won NY hearts too. Love seeing new stars arrive
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) September 7, 2021
He wasn’t the only one in the sports world who was impressed with Fernandez’s performance on Tuesday afternoon.
NBA legend Magic Johnson was also watching the budding superstar.
“If you haven’t seen the most exciting player at the US Open, 19-year old Leylah Fernandez, you’re truly missing out!!” Johnson said after the match. “She just beat her 3rd ranked opponent and is on fire. She’s captivating the world!”
If you haven’t seen the most exciting player at the US Open, 19-year old Leylah Fernandez, you’re truly missing out!! She just beat her 3rd ranked opponent and is on fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. She’s captivating the world! @leylahfernandez
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) September 7, 2021
It’s quite a present for her 19th birthday – a berth into the semifinal of the U.S. Open.
She’ll be back on the court
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