Updated September 8, 2021 at 11:51 AM ET
Nineteen-year-old Leylah Fernandez of Canada is in the spotlight at the U.S. Open in New York.
She's headed to Thursday's semifinals after beating yet another star player, Elina Svitolina, after besting Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber.
Fernandez, who turned 19 on Monday, .
A U.S. Open recap as having "a veteran-like ability to reset at the crucial moments."
Fernandez, the daughter of an Ecuadorian father and Filipino-Canadian mother, told ESPN she credits her dad for inspiration. He's been coaching her since she was 6 years old.
"Today he told me to go out there, have fun, fight for every ball, fight for every point," she said. " 'Today's your first quarterfinals, don't make it your last. Don't make it your last match over here. Fight for your dream.' "
She's already beat two former U.S. Open champions, and will face off against a third on Thursday, Aryna Sabalenka. (.)
Watch highlights from her quarterfinal match here:
Folks are taking notice:
That鈥檚 how you FIGHT!!!!!!!!!! Go on Leylah!!!!!!!
— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens)
WOW! Thank you , proud to represent our country. It is an honor. 馃嚚馃嚘馃崄
— leylahfernandez (@leylahfernandez)
If you haven鈥檛 seen the most exciting player at the US Open, 19-year old Leylah Fernandez, you鈥檙e truly missing out!! She just beat her 3rd ranked opponent and is on fire 馃敟馃敟馃敟馃敟馃敟馃敟. She鈥檚 captivating the world!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
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