Maria Sharapova’s pep talk to Leylah Fernandez after US Open defeat
US Open champion Emma Raducanu ready to return to action at Indian Wells
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US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez has revealed five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova gave her some advice after her heartbreak. The Canadian lost to Britain’s new superstar Emma Raducanu in straight sets in the Flushing Meadows showpiece.
Just the day after her agony of losing the US Open final, Fernandez attended New York’s annual Met Gala, where plenty of famous faces turned up – including Raducanu herself.
But while she was there to take in her unfamiliar surroundings and enjoy the night, she was also given some words of wisdom from former tennis star Sharapova.
However, she refused to divulge any details, but is hoping that her advice will help her bag her first Grand Slam title soon enough.
“She gave me some pretty good advice,” the 19-year-old said as she gets set to return to competition this week at the Indian Wells for the BNP Paribas Open.
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“I don’t want to disclose any of it because it’s very personal for me.
“She’s an amazing person. She told me her own experience and the way that she was able to bounce back and she’s just a great person, great inspiration to kind of look up to.”
Fernandez, like Raducanu, burst onto the scene in sensational style at the US Open last month.
The Canadian teenager has already won the Monterrey Open in March but took her game to a whole new level at Flushing Meadows.
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Fernandez managed to beat defending champion and four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, three-time major winner Angelique Kerber and world No 2 Aryna Sabalenka along the way to the final.
While the final ended in heartbreak for Fernandez, she certainly has a big future and will be one to watch out for at Grand Slams to come.
She has risen to 28th in the world rankings and gets ready to return to court at Indian Wells this week as 23rd seed at the tournament.
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But Fernandez is refusing to get carried away, and has credited her backroom team for allowing her to remain focused on the task ahead.
“I’m very lucky to have a great team around me to just let me focus on my craft, on my tennis, and not be overwhelmed with everything that’s going right now,” said Fernandez.
“Honestly I just can’t wait to be back on the tennis court competing again.”
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