Photo : Mauricio Paiz
On this week’s episode of Match Point Canada, Ben and Mike happily welcome back Canadian tennis star and 2021 US Open finalist, Leylah Annie Fernandez!
The two catch up with the 20-year-old from Indian Wells as she competes at the 2023 BNP Paribas Open.
Fernandez is happily embracing competing in the stunning backdrop and event in California.
“It truly is tennis paradise. Every morning you get on court, you get the view of the mountains and the palm trees, it’s so beautiful,” says Fernandez.
Read also: Fernandez outlasted by Garcia
While Indian Wells has been tabbed as the unofficial fifth major, that doesn’t affect the Canadian’s mentality.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m playing a 250, a 125 (WTA event), I always feel like it’s a Grand Slam for me.”
Fernandez also expands on implementing some serve and volley into her game, challenging top players early in draws, and touching base regularly with her younger sister.
“The beginning of the conversation, probably two sentences, will be about tennis – like, how are you playing, how are you feeling.”
“Afterwards, we get out of that conversation as quickly as possible and talk everything other than tennis!”
Read also: Auger-Aliassime survives as Fernandez, Andreescu lose heartbreakers
While Fernandez spends a solid 12 minutes with Mike and Ben, the two co-hosts also take a dive deep into the field at the BNP Paribas Open.
They discuss Bianca Andreescu and Gaby Dabrowski’s opportunities at Indian Wells, the test that is Iga Świątek and a deep women’s field in contention.
Read also: Fernandez beats Navarro to open Indian Wells campaign
They also look at top ATP contenders Daniil Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz, surprise early exits from Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud, and the very cool Felix and Denis Canadian doubles pairing!
In the meantime, Rafael Nadal has returned to clay courts to train, and Genie Bouchard has a new and familiar coach.
Listen to our newest episode of Match Point Canada, available on Megaphone, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify below. Enjoy!