US OPEN, NEW YORK
Anything can happen at a major; however, did anyone expect to see these two teenagers in the US Open final? Perhaps many Americans were expecting the name of another teenager [Coco Gauff].
Leylah Annie Fernandez Is Ranked 73
Leylah Fernandez announced her arrival on the scene last year when she made it to the final in Acapulco. However, many may not have noticed this young lady. She does not make a big noise; she just consistently goes about her business with the mental strength of someone twice her age. Her biggest weapons are her brain and heart. She dropped the middle name sometime last year if memory serves me well. Fernandez played in the junior Australian Open [lost to Clara Tauson] and French Open [won in 2019] finals.
Embed from Getty ImagesEmma Raducanu is Ranked 150
Many of you probably heard about this young talent at Wimbledon earlier this season when she made it to the fourth round before the pressure got to her. This time, there are no apparent nerves. At Wimbledon she was given a wildcard; however, here she came through the qualifying rounds, and she has yet to lose a set. Her weapons are her poise, serve, and power on both sides. Raducanu becomes the first qualifier, male or female, to make it to the final of a major.
Leylah Fernandez Versus Emma Raducanu
They have not played in any professional tournaments, but they met once as juniors. In their junior head-to-head, Raducanu leads 1:0. Raducanu has the advantage because she has had a much easier run to the final, despite having to come through the qualifying rounds. Fernandez has battled pass three top ten players and has gone three sets in four of her six matches played. Fatigue could be the variable that derails her; yet, she has shown us that she can dig deep when the going gets tough.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Other Variables In The Final
Both players will have to battle their nerves and because Fernandez has had the tougher draw, she may gain control of the nerves quicker than Raducanu. The Brit does not move as well as the Canadian; thus, Fernandez can exploit this. The crowd has been behind both teenagers, so they will be equally supported. Finally, which one believes enough to go for their shots? It will be an awesome final and I hope they both leave everything they have on the court and walk away feeling satisfied with their effort. I am cheering them both on [I have both British and Canadian relatives].
ALL IMAGES: Getty Images
Raducanu has the power serve, both have quick feet, ball placement both are good, and return serve both are even; however, if it goes three sets, I’m giving it to Fernandez. The fact is she’s been tested by the top 3 ranked players, minus the fact that Osaka is dealing with some personal issues, some might suggest that, but the last 2 are stronger, taller and have power serve and had never played a leftie, that’s a big factor.
Agreed, Fernandez has the “leftie factor” in her favor. I tend to also agree that she is quite fit physically. However, look at how much Raducanu has improved mentally. I think it will be an awesome final, despite the fact that there are no Americans playing 😉.