Despite her formidable performances heading to the finals, the 19-year-old paddler failed to snatch the coveted title in the women’s singles of the just-concluded US Open 2021.
Fernandez, although dominant in the early going, bowed to Emma Raducanu of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-3 in the finals.
“It definitely stings. But it will just make me want to work harder and stronger, just come back to every tournament with the same hunger I came into this tournament,” Fernandez said.
After cheering support from Big Apple fans throughout an epic run, Fernandez also impressed the public after upsetting three of the world’s top five players – defending champion Naomi Osaka, second-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and fifth-ranked Elina Svitolina as well as three-time Slam winner Angelique Kerber.
“This loss, I’m going to carry it for a very long time. I think it will motivate me to do better in training, better for the next opportunity I get.”
After getting the attention of the Filipino fans in the US Open, the tennis rising star also said she’s curious about Filipino food and culture.
Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec in Canada, Fernandez admitted she isn’t really exposed to Philippine culture just yet.
“But as I’m getting older, I’ve always been curious about Filipino culture. Mainly, [I want to learn] about the food. I’m very curious what is [their] food. I know the language, it’s very hard… it was the language Tagalog, it was super complicated and I didn’t understand one word.”
She said if she has more time, she can learn it. “I am so happy to hear that everyone in the Philippines is cheering for me and supporting me so thank you,” said Fernandez.
On the other hand, Raducanu, who became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam singles crown has enjoyed a year beyond her wildest dreams. At the start of that tournament, she became the youngest British woman to reach the third round for 19 years and eventually, became the champion.
With her much-deserved victory, Raducanu is expected to bring home not just the title but also unthinkable riches.
The £181,000 ($250,000) she earned at Wimbledon for reaching the last 16 — her then richest payday — is loose change beside the $2.5 million she earned at being crowned US Open champion and the endorsements that come with it. She already signed up to Nike, Wilson and jeweller Tiffany, and more are bound to come her.
The Saturday’s final was the first all-teen US Open championship match since 1999, when Serena Williams (then 17 years old) defeated Martina Hingis (18).IMT
