A recent invitation to the Met Gala in New York was an eye opening experience for Canada’s Leylah Fernandez for many reasons.
The exclusive event is one of the most prestigious in the world which is said to raise millions. Some of the world’s biggest celebrities congregate in New York for the event which this year was co-chaired by Naomi Osaka. Fernandez received her invite shortly after reaching her first ever Grand Slam final at the US Open before losing in straight sets to Emma Raducanu. Besides being up close to an array of celebraties, the Canadian also unexpectedly received some valuable advice from a former tennis star.
It was at the Met Gala where Fernandez said she spoke with five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova who retired from the Tour in 2020. During her pre-tournament press conference at Indian Wells on Tuesday, Fernandez said the former world No.1 gave her some ‘good advice’ but is reluctant to publicly share what was said.
“She gave me some pretty good advice,” she said. “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.”
The 19-year-old is currently at a ranking high of 28th in the world following her stunning run at Flushing Meadows where she scored three wins over top 10 players. Earlier this season she also won her maiden WTA title Monterrey Open in Mexico.
Now dubbed as the latest tennis sensation to emerge from Canada, which has turned into a tennis powerhouse in recent years, Fernandez’s attention switches to Indian Wells this week. She will be making her debut in the event and is seeded 23rd in the draw.
“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,” Fernandez commented on dealing with her surge in popularity.
“Honestly I just can’t wait to be back on the tennis court competing again.”
Granted a bye in the first round, Fernandez will open up her Indian Wells campaign against either experienced French player Alize Cornet or Romanian qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Then should everything go according to the draw, she is set to take on Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the following round who reached the final of the French Open this year.
Nevertheless, Fernandez says her approach to the tournament will be no different to any other.
“Just going to be the same old Leylah, and have fun out there,” she concludes.
