FILE–Leylah Fernandez of Canada in the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament. Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
MANILA, Philippines—Leylah Fernandez has been on an absolute tear in the US Open, taking down champions on the way to the first Grand Slam final of her young career.
As she looks forward to making Grand Slam history, Filipino fans have also been cheering her on in her inspiring run in New York.
Fernandez, who was born in Canada, comes from a family of a Filipino-Canadian mother and an Ecuadorian father.
“I’m so happy to hear that everyone in the Philippines is cheering for me and supporting me. So thank you,” Fernandez said in an interview after her semifinal win in response to a question from sportscaster Dyan Castillejo.
Our crowds are like no other.@leylahfernandez gives thanks to the New York fans for their support in her semifinal win. pic.twitter.com/hSvu3x8kYU
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2021
The 19-year-old rising star admitted that she has to learn more about the culture in the Philippines, but she is no stranger to the country’s cuisine–thanks to her grandfather’s cooking.
“Unfortunately, I do not know much about Filipino culture but I do know that Lolo cooks amazing,” said Fernandez.
“Hopefully when I go back home to Toronto, Canada and visit him he’s gonna make a really nice dish for the whole family and especially Filipino dish.”
Fernandez faces fellow teen Emma Raducanu of Great Britain in the all-teen final.