MANILA – Netter Leylah Fernandez wrapped up her 2021 US Open campaign with a runner-up finish after bowing down to Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu, 6-4, 6-3, on Saturday (Sunday, Philippine time) at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
The 19-year-old Fernandez, who is of Filipino and Ecuadorian ancestry and represents Canada, attempted to keep up with her 18-year-old foe, but the latter demonstrated precision with her shots to become the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam in the Open era.
Fernandez and Raducanu engaged in a tight battle in the opening set. Both traded game wins to keep the game deadlocked at 4-4 after eight rounds.
Raducanu ruled the ninth game and stunned Fernandez in the 10th frame as she took advantage of the Canadian’s miscues to erase the four-set points.
Fernandez gained a 2-1 lead in the second set after breaking Raducanu’s serve in the third game but failed to maintain it as Raducanu closed the gap.
Fernandez attempted to prolong the match further in the ninth frame when she led 40-30, but her momentum was halted by a medical timeout caused by Raducanu scraping her knee on the court’s surface.
When the match resumed, Raducanu converted a hit to level the score at 40-40 in the ninth game before claiming her first-ever US Open title with a service ace.
Despite falling short of the golden finish, Fernandez had a remarkable campaign, defeating previous champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber and edging world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka to advance to the finale.
Meanwhile, Filipina Alex Eala’s US Open career came to an end without a title last Saturday after being eliminated in the semifinals of the girls’ doubles tournament.
Eala and her Belgian partner Hanne Vandewinkel struggled in their Final Four match against Americans Elvina Kaileva and Reese Brantmeier, 7-5, 2-6, 7-10./PN
