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Dad’s the way for Leylah

Canadian teen Fernandez credits quarter-final win over fifth seed Elina Svitolina to father Jorge’s pre-match strategy of fighting for every point; Medvedev enters semis

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Leylah Fernandez celebrates winning a point against Elina Svitolina during her US Open quarter-final match on Tuesday. Pics/Getty Images

Leylah Fernandez celebrates winning a point against Elina Svitolina during her US Open quarter-final match on Tuesday. Pics/Getty Images

Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev advanced to his third straight US Open semi-final on Tuesday while Canadian Leylah Fernandez, 19, delivered another stunner to reach the Last Four of a Grand Slam for the first time. Fernandez, who had already ousted defending champion Naomi Osaka and three-time Slam winner Angelique Kerber, defeated Ukraine’s fifth-seeded Elina Svitolina 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5). 

‘No idea what I’m feeling’

“I honestly have no idea what I’m feeling right now,” Fernandez said moments after the victory. “I told myself to trust my shots. Even if I lose, I’ve got to go for it. And I’m glad I did.” Fernandez, ranked 73rd, was inspired by pre-match strategy from her father/coach Jorge, a former Ecuadoran football player. “He told me to go out and have fun, fight for every point,” she said.  “It’s your first Grand Slam quarter-final. Don’t make it your last. Don’t make it your last match over here. Fight for your dream.”

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