Leylah Fernandez: I needed some time to reflect, I’m proud of the improvements
Leylah Fernandez has vowed to keep fighting and working hard as she remains positive that eventually she will reach her targeted level and results. Fernandez, the 2021 Us Open runner-up, isn’t enjoying a very great start to the 2023 season.
In 2023, Fernandez is 9-6 and she has been mostly exiting tournaments early. So far in 2023, Fernandez’s best result has been the Auckland quarterfinal she reached in her first tournament of the season. In Indian Wells, Fernandez exited the tournament in the third round after picking up a 6-4 6-7 (5) 6-1 loss to Caroline Garcia.
“I needed some time to reflect, but I’m proud of the improvements and to keep growing. Life’s reality is not how many times you get knocked down but how many times you stand back up. Next stop, Miami,” Fernandez tweeted.
Fernandez fell short in her attempt to stage a comeback against Garcia
In Indian Wells, Fernandez had a first-round bye before beating Emma Navarro.
In the third round, Fernandez stumbled upon fifth-ranked Garcia. Fernandez won a tight second set to send the match into a decider but fell short in her attempt to create a big comeback win. After the match, Garcia spoke extremely highly of Fernandez.
“Yeah. Obviously very happy with the win. Leylah is a tough opponent. She’s young, but have already a lot of experience playing on big stadium and better ranked players. I’m very happy with the performance of today. Obviously I would have been happy to take it in two, but you have to fight your way.
Third set give me a lot of confidence,” Garcia said after beating Fernandez. Now, Fernandez is turning her focus on the upcoming WTA 1000 event in Miami. In Miami, Fernandez is set to make her second main draw appearance. Last year, Fernandez had a first-round bye in Miami before losing to Karolina Muchova in her opener at the tournament.
