US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez hopes to 'be as strong and resilient as New York' over 20 years since 9/11

ESPN ^ | 9/11/2021 | Aishwarya Kumar

[God luvs America]

At the awards ceremony after a hard-fought women's final on Saturday, runner-up Leylah Fernandez took a moment to address the resilience of New York on the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

"I know on this day it's especially hard for New York and everyone around the US," Fernandez said. "I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years." Editor's Picks

Both the teenagers in the 2021 US Open women's singles finals were born after 9/11; Fernandez on September 6, 2002, and Emma Raducanu on November 13, 2002.

[God luvs America]

Besides this being a very nice story its also very striking- an 18YO from Canada said more to NYers on the 20th anniversary of 9-11 the the (P)resident of the United States.

[CatOwner]

Given New Yorkers pissed away whatever strength and patriotism they had by the politicians they elected, I would like to say I hope Ms. Fernandez will do better than that.

[EEGator]

I was rooting for her since she played Osaka.
She’s actually 19 y/o now. DOB - 9/7/02

[God luvs America]

thanks- bad math on my part

[EEGator]

Only 4 days ago...

[llevrok]

This was a fun match to watch. Two 18/19 year olds. Just playing hard with no temper tantrums or theatrics.

Ms Fernandez’ words were typical of the class both teens showed all match long.

Refreshing!

[God luvs America]

What was four days ago?

[EEGator]

Her birthday. She just turned 19.

[God luvs America]

Got it...brain is mush...was at the four hour Oregon-Ohio State game today

[EEGator]

OSU will be dropping multiple spots.

Now I’m waiting for the always overrated Notre Dame to lose.

[God luvs America]

The Buckeyes will drop like a rock as will Iowa State

[dfwgator]

I thought Toledo had it won against Notre Lame...ARRRRRGH!

[God luvs America]

the Irish escape- again!!

[dfwgator]

Maybe Kelly really will execute his team this time.

[mac_truck]

Got it...brain is mush...was at the four hour Oregon-Ohio State game today

So sorry for your loss!

[God luvs America]

no real rooting interest except my daughter is a freshman at OSU. I was there in a scouting capacity- players more so than cheerleaders.

[God luvs America]

How many people flipped out when they had no clue what he was talking about last week??

[dfwgator]

Heeee Heeee, welcome to the SEC, Texas!

[God luvs America]

I wonder if Lincoln Riley will still be the QB kingmaker in the new conference.

[Toespi]

I wanted her to win so badly, she deserved it but ran out of gas. She beat Osaka#3, Kerberos former #1, Svitolina#5, and Sabalenka#2. Had to play her heart out every match. She has spoken about her families sacrifice, her dads coaching, and needing financial aid from Canada to continue her tennis career. Radacanu, the winner, on the other hand has trained with the best, including Andy Murray, attended an elite fifty thousand dollar a year grammar school and an immensely wealthy family.