Leylah Fernandez Was Asked What Motivates Her & This Is What She Said

The Quebec tennis star is set to play in the U.S. Open final on Saturday afternoon.

Leylah Fernandez Was Asked What Motivates Her & This Is What She Said
@leylahannietennis | Instagram, @tenniscanada | Instagram
Senior Writer

The world is watching as Quebec tennis star Leylah Fernandez has her moment. The 19-year-old is set to play at the U.S. Open final on Saturday afternoon — something that's undoubtedly required a lifetime of hard work and perseverance.

So what's motivated Fernandez to get this far?

Tennis Canada asked Fernandez what motivates her and her answers shed light on the source of her work ethic and character.

In one interview, Fernandez says, "Through the years, my dad and my mom [...] taught me to work hard and to fight for what you want. Nothing will come easy. Same thing with life. I've seen them going through hardship and I like to take that as motivation for a tennis match."

In another interview, Fernandez names fellow Canadian tennis players as sources of inspiration.

"Felix [Auger Aliassime], Denis [Shapovalov], Bianca [Andreescu], Milos [Raonic] — everybody doing great things on the tour. It's another great motivation. They're progressing, they're also winning, they're also attacking so watching them succeed [...] give[s] me motivation during practices and matches to be the best I can," she says.

Good luck, Leylah! Quebec is rooting for you.

From Your Site Articles
leylah fernandezus open final 2021us open 2021tennis quebectennisus open
  • Ilana Belfer
  • Ilana Belfer

    Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

When you should actually take off your winter tires in Quebec, according to a meteorologist

"Snow is still possible into the end of March and even into April."

Here's why some Montrealers aren't happy about Quebec's new retail hours law

Starting next week, stores in Quebec can stay open much later on weekends.

Montreal stores can stay open later starting this month (even on Sundays)

Quebec is one of the only places in North America that still legislates store opening hours.

Montreal's La Ronde was just sold in a $342M deal and changes could be coming

"Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition."

This Montreal grocery store was just hit with $14,500 in food safety fines

The store was handed three separate fines last month.

Canadian passport fees are going up this month — Here's how much more you'll pay

Getting your application in before the end of the month means you won't pay the new rates.

Super C vs. Walmart: Which grocery store is actually cheaper for Quebec shoppers?

There was a clear winner.

'Quebec poutine cheese' could soon get a special designation to protect the squeak

The cheese would have protected status like Champagne and Bordeaux wine.