2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez called Roger Federer a big inspiration and thanked the Swiss for his contributions to the game. Federer, 41, is retiring after next week’s Laver Cup. Fernandez, 20, grew up watching Federer on TV and hoping that one day she would be a big tennis star.
Now, Fernandez is one of the most promising and talented players in the game. “Words can’t begin to describe the inspiration you have been to me. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and for everything you have done for tennis.
Wishing you the best,” Fernandez wrote on Twitter.
Words can’t begin to describe the inspiration you have been to me. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and for everything you have done for tennis. Wishing you the best 🤍 pic.twitter.com/a9e0x5O7sL — leylahfernandez (@leylahfernandez) September 15, 2022
Fernandez paid tribute to Federer, Serena Williams
Fernandez also had a very nice tribute for 23-time Grand Slam champion Williams.
Fernandez, who has been tipped to win Grand Slams and reach the top spot in the future, admitted she would be happy if she achieved the quarter of Williams’ success. “Serena, I think she has inspired everybody. It doesn’t matter who you are, you know who Serena is.
You know the great things that she’s done. What they did, like, for me, she showed me how to be strong, how to be independent, how to fight for what you believe in, fight for your dreams. Seeing that she’s been doing that since the very beginning of her career, and even now she’s still doing it, it’s so inspiring.
It motivates me more to do that. Hopefully I can achieve a quarter of her career. She’s a legend. She’s an icon. I’m just sad that she has to leave the sport,” Fernandez said Unfortunately for Fernandez, she didn’t have another strong run at the US Open.
This year, Fernandez suffered a second round defeat at the US Open to Liudmila Samsonova. But it should be noted that Fernandez didn’t have a perfect preparation for the US Open since a foot injury delayed her start of the North American hard court swing.
