Leylah Fernandez may have come up short in Saturday's US Open women's singles final, but the Canadian teen won the hearts of the New York crowd - and the world - after the match when she paid tribute to the city's resilience on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
During the trophy ceremony, Fernandez' eyes filled with tears as she spoke of being proud of everything she's accomplished. She beat greats such as defending champion Naomi Osaka, world No. 5 Elina Svitolina, and world No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka. She also became the fourth-ever Canadian player to reach a Grand Slam final.
But before Fernandez passed the mic to Raducanu, she asked if she could address the NYC fans that supported her throughout the tournament.
I know on this day, it was 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 as resilient as New York has been the past 20 years. - Leylah Fernandez
The touching speech from an emotional Fernandez drew thunderous applause from the crowd and plenty of praise across social media, including from former world No. 1 Andy Roddick.
Leylah asking for the mic back to acknowledge 9/11 was one of the classiest, most empathetic, and mature things I've ever seen in a post game moment ......... and she's only 19. I'm blown away
- andyroddick (@andyroddick) September 11, 2021
Eric Adams, the Brooklyn borough president now running for mayor of New York City, said he was also blown away by the young Canadian's grace.
For someone who was not even born on 9/11, from another country, to have the grace to honor our great city in such a moment is inspiring. New York honors you tonight @leylahfernandez. Thank you. https://t.co/0BFoowS86w
- Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) September 12, 2021
Watch the clip of her moving speech below. I'm not crying... you're crying ❤️😭.