Fernandez signed to play in ASB Classic
AUCKLAND: US Open runnerup Leylah Fernandez is the second big signing for January’s ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 20yearold Canadian joins American world No 8 Coco Gauff in the field for the tournament’s return to the WTA calendar for the first time since 2020.
Just over a year ago, the then 19yearold Fernandez played a huge part in the most extraordinary women’s grand slam outcome of all time. Fernandez, unseeded and ranked 73rd in the WTA rankings, made a phenomenal run through to the final where she met 18yearold British qualifier Emma Raducanu, losing in straight sets.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin is ecstatic to secure one of the rising stars on the WTA Tour, ranked No 38 but impacted somewhat due to carrying a stress fracture through the European and North American summer.
‘‘For me Leylah is one of the best upandcoming players from the next generation. She’s already achieved a lot reaching a grand slam final at the US Open and winning two WTA titles over the last two years,’’ Lamperin said.
‘‘She’s a very crafty player and beating three top10 players in a grand slam on the way to reaching the final is a real accomplishment.’’
Lefthanded Fernandez had beaten the likes of defending champion Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elena Svitolina and second seed Aryna Sabalenka en route to the final at Flushing Meadows.
She also teamed up with Kiwi Erin Routliffe to make the third round of the doubles.
Fernandez reached a careerhigh ranking of 13 after retaining her WTA title in Monterrey before the US Open.