'Ice in her veins': Fernandez's win over Osaka at US Open draws widespread praise

Sportsnet Staff @SportsnetSeptember 04, 2021 - 1:40am

Montreal's Leylah Fernandez defeated third-ranked Naomi Osaka in three sets in the third round of the US Open.

On one of the biggest stages tennis has to offer, against one of its greatest competitors, Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez rose to meet the moment.

After forcing a deciding set in dramatic fashion, Fernandez stunned Naomi Osaka, defeating the reigning US Open champion in the event’s third round.

The win, arguably the biggest of 18-year-old Fernandez’s young career and one of the most stunning upsets in Canadian tennis history, did not come easily.

Osaka and was holding serve for a straight sets victory before 73rd-ranked Fernandez broke the two-time US Open champion for the first time, forcing a tiebreak — and that’s when Osaka started to unravel.

Fernandez took advantage of multiple unforced errors from Osaka en route to the decisive third set, where the teenager from Laval, Que., held serve for the win before pumping her fist towards fans that cheered louder for her on every late point.

Here’s how those around the sports world beyond the stadium reacted.

A STUNNER IN ASHE!

teenager Leylah Fernandez knocks off defending champion Naomi Osaka in three sets. pic.twitter.com/Sf61oFupub

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2021

https://t.co/M53DI9w4Lt

— leylahfernandez (@leylahfernandez) September 4, 2021

Could this be Canada's tournament?

Here's the moment Leylah Annie Fernandez upset the reigning US Open champ. pic.twitter.com/Px9sJtcwc3

— Tim and Friends (@timandfriends) September 4, 2021

Back to back wins for the teenagers tonight.

The future is bright for our sport.

Congratulations, @leylahfernandez!https://t.co/KeUIQximLk

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) September 4, 2021

.@TennisCanada is on a

18-year-old Canadian, Leylah Fernandez, from Laval, Quebec upset defending #USOpen champion Naomi Osaka.

— Donnovan Bennett (@donnovanbennett) September 4, 2021

Congrats @leylahfernandez

— Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) September 4, 2021

I saw that! So humbling to hear her say I inspired her. She’s a great player. Gotennis! https://t.co/bZbm1urLz7

— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) September 4, 2021

Leylah Fernandez

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) September 4, 2021

I'll say it AGAIN.. her name is Leylah Annie Fernandez and she has just upset the US Open defending champion Naomi Osaka 5-7, 7-6, 6-4!!!
What a moment for the 18 year old from Laval!!!#USOpen #Canada

— Clint Bubba O'Neil (@BubbaCHCH) September 4, 2021

SHE DID IT.

— Gerald Butts (@gmbutts) September 4, 2021

Q. At what point in the match did the belief come in?

Leylah Annie Fernandez: "From the very beginning, right before the match, I knew I was able to win."

— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) September 4, 2021

Yes Leylah Fernandez – every answer on point. Especially when she believed she could beat Osaka: “Before the match”#USOpen

— Brad Fay (@SNBradFay) September 4, 2021

Do you believe in miracles?

Montreal's Leylah Fernandez earns the biggest win of her young career – she stuns defending champion and four-time slam winner Naomi Osaka 5-7, 7-6, 6-4 at the #USOpen to reach the round of 16.

The kid has ice in her veins.

An unbelievable win.

— Ben Lewis (@BenLewisSN590) September 4, 2021

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