By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Capping a fairy-tale 2021 US Open final, Emma Raducanu raised the title trophy and Leylah Fernandez hoisted the runner-up plate.
Both women have shouldered their share of pain and suffering since.
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A fired-up Fernandez fought off Katerina Siniakova 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a spirited Hong Kong final to capture her third career title last weekend.
That title run vaulted Fernandez 17 spots in the rankings up to No. 43.
Afterward, Fernandez told Nicolas Atkin of South China Morning Post, she and Raducanu have each endured growing pains since their fantastic Flushing Meadows fortnight two years ago, but believes both can look forward to their best tennis ahead.
"Well, 2021 was a special tournament for both of us, we both did extraordinary things not many people get to experience,” Fernandez told South China Morning Post. “I was able to beat a couple of Top 10 players, ex-champions.
"Emma, she came through the qualifying, so we both had to go through some difficulties, and afterwards, I think it was hard on both of us adjusting to the new life."
The 21-year-old Fernandez, who reached the 2022 Roland Garros quarterfinals, says she's convinced a "hungry" Raducanu will return from multiple surgeries and eventually regain her best level.
“But at least for me, I tried to surround myself with a great group of people," Fernandez said. "I know Emma is working hard, I know she is hungry, she has something to prove, so I’m sure she’s going to come back and play some great tennis."
Rehabbing from ankle surgery and surgeries to both wrists she underwent in May, a recovering Raducanu eyes a competitive comeback in 2024.
The 20-year-old Raducanu, who celebrates her 21st birthday on November 13th, wrapped an injury-plagued 2023 season posting a 5-5 record. Raducanu resumed hitting on August 2nd and told the BBC last month she has been training regularly.
The 150th-ranked Briton made history as the first player—man or woman—to play through qualifying and capture a Grand Slam singles title at the 2021 US Open. That phenomenal Flushing Meadows triumph accelerated Raducanu's learning curve and, she said, exposed her to the "sharks" within the sport.
"I had to mature very quickly," Raducanu told The Sunday Times. "When I won I was extremely naive. What I have realized in the past two years, the tour and everything that comes with it, it's not a very nice, trusting and safe space.
"You have to be on guard because there are a lot of sharks out there. I think people in the industry, especially with me because I was 19, now 20, they see me as a piggy bank. "It has been difficult to navigate."
Fernandez says she's hoping to renew her rivalry with a resurgent Raducanu, who "has something special for the WTA."
“Hopefully we do see her because she is great for the sport," Fernandez said. "She has got something special for the WTA and for women’s tennis.
"Hopefully we can both compete at the highest level once again side by side.”
Photo credit: Getty