Fernandez applauds 'resilient' New York on 9/11 anniversary

NEW YORK • Leylah Fernandez stood on the podium, fighting back tears.

She had just finished an eloquent runner-up speech after losing in the US Open final on Saturday, looking as if all she wanted was to disappear underneath the stands of Arthur Ashe Stadium and get a hug from her family.

But the Canadian prolonged her anguish for a few more minutes.

Asking for the microphone back, she referenced the 20th anniversary of the Sept 11 terrorist attacks, saying: "I know on this day, it's especially hard for New York and everyone around the United States.

"I just want to say that I hope I can be as strong and resilient as New York has been the last 20 years. Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for cheering for me. I love you, New York."

It was a notable display of compassion from a teenager who had just endured a crushing defeat, who had turned 19 five days earlier, and who was not even born when the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon occurred.

"The awareness and composure that she showed in that speech was just incredible," said Patrick McEnroe, a former player and ESPN analyst.

"She took a moment to acknowledge a sombre event and the world around her. That was something."

"Look at what we saw and heard from Leylah," tennis great Billie Jean King, who was also on the podium with Fernandez and newly crowned US Open champion Emma Raducanu, said afterwards.

"I don't think I've ever heard that, ever, at any match. Have you?"

Fernandez said she woke up on Saturday, noticed the date and asked her parents exactly what had happened 20 years ago.

She heard about their personal experiences when they learnt of the attacks, and about the terror of so many people in New York, across the US and around the world. She felt compelled to address it.

"I just wanted to let them know that they're so strong, they're so resilient," Fernandez said.

"They're just incredible. Just having them here happy, lively, just going back to the way they were, having my back during these tough moments, has made me stronger and has made me believe in myself a lot more."

As a relative newcomer on the WTA Tour, Fernandez was a largely unknown personality to many tennis fans.

Most had seen only the ebullient version, celebrating her remarkable wins at Flushing Meadows. Saturday was the first time they saw how she dealt with disappointment.

There were a couple of moments of frustration, some anguished stares and a few tears. But overall, she handled herself much the way champions do.

She was proud of herself, and was able to see a bigger picture than one loss.

"Seeing my family and my fitness coach, my agents, all there smiling, having fun..." Fernandez added.

"It means a lot more to me than any victory."

NYTIMES