'I don’t know about Qinwen,' Leylah Fernandez stuns Australian Open finalist Qinwen Zheng in an epic showdown in Doha before opening up on her career arc

In a tight match, she beat the Chinese to enter the last eight of the tournament. Delighted with her win, the 21-year-old discussed the change in the trajectory of her career after the 2021 US Open finals. After the win against Zheng, the Canadian was asked this question during her interview.

I don’t know about Qinwen, but my trajectory changed quite a bit. I get to play against top players, bigger tournaments, tournaments I never dreamed of. I think it’s a great opportunity for me to keep learning and growing. To see more young players coming up is good for the sport. Said Fernandez in the interview. 

Fernandez was a finalist at the 2021 US Open. After facing a tough draw, she made it to her maiden Grand Slam finals at the age of 19 but unfortunately lost to Emma Raducanu. 

Despite playing well throughout the season, the Canadian fell short in the finals. After those finals, the youngster was placed on a different level, as she was playing in tougher draws, getting an opportunity to learn and show her tennis to the world. 

On the other hand, Qinwen Zheng (also 21 years old) had a phenomenal run at the 2024 Australian Open before losing in the finals to Aryna Sabalenka. Despite a loss, her ranking boosted immensely, and she entered the top 10 for the first time. Currently, she is ranked as World No. 7, and her career has only started to take off. 

Leylah Fernandez makes it to the Qatar Open quarter-finals, as she eyes 4th WTA title

After a disappointing loss at the Australian Open, Canadian star Leylah Fernandez hoped to make up for it at the Qatar Open. 

Working in the right direction, she easily got through the first two matches, despite some scares. In her second-round match against Paula Badosa, the 21-year-old came back from a set down to make it against Zheng. After another straight-set victory, Fernandez moves on to the quarterfinals as she gears up to face Elena Rybakina. 

With a huge challenge in front of her, Fernandez has to bring her A-game to try and challenge Rybakina. Both players have seen major drops in their rankings and will hope to gain some valuable points to get back on the map. 

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