Leylah Fernandez had a unique appreciation of Alex Eala after beating the Filipina in the Round of 32 of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.
Fernandez dominated Eala, 6-1, 6-4, and then bared in the postmatch interview she sees similarities between her game and of Eala’s
Playing Like in Front of a Mirror, Says Leylah Fernandez
Aside from sharing Filipino heritage, both players are known for their fast and quick attacks on the court as well as being left handed.
“It was like a mirror, like you said. It’s exactly like you just enjoy figuring out and have fun,” Fernandez said when asked about the similarities between her and Eala.
The 23-year-old added that even back then, she knew that one of the greatest strengths of Eala is her quickness.
“I remember watching her play a couple years back at the Rafa Nadal Academy and she was playing super fast and I remember telling my coach at that time, ‘Wow she plays quick,’” Fernandez added.
Listening to Coach
After a near perfect set one, Leylah Fernandez actually trailed in second set, 5-4.
When asked what changed that helped her regain the lead, the world No. 25 said she listened to her coach.
“Honestly, it was what my coach told me at locked 30 5-4, he said ‘She’s not gonna go down easy, you can see. She’s going to fight and you’re gonna have to take the match,’” said Fernandez. “So, I was glad that I trusted him and I trusted the training that we’ve done so happy to get the win here.”
With the win, Leylah Fernandez will be through to the Round of 16, where she’ll face either Zeynep Sonmez or Jasmine Paolini.
