Tennis-Fearless Fernandez knocks out another champion to reach quarter-finals

Sep 5, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada celebrates after match point against Angelique Kerber of Germany (not pictured) on day seven of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Leylah Fernandez brushed aside yet another former champion as the fearless Canadian teenager stormed into the quarter-finals of the U.S. Open on Sunday with a 4-6 7-6(5) 6-2 win over 16th seed Angelique Kerber.

It was a precocious and poised performance from Fernandez, who celebrates her 19th birthday on Monday and had already sent a jolt through Flushing Meadows on Friday when she stunned third seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka.

There would be no letdown for Fernandez after the biggest win of her fledgling career, the youngster soaking up the energy from a seething Louis Armstrong crowd after dropping the opening set to three-times Grand Slam winner Kerber.

"Honestly, the crowd has been amazing, so thanks to them I was able to win," said Fernandez, who next faces fifth seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina. "I was just trusting my game.

"She's an incredible fighter, incredible player.

"Just putting one more ball back in, fighting, and just having fun on the court."

Fernandez had grabbed the early break at 4-2 but could not consolidate it as Kerber, the 2016 U.S. Open winner, broke right back with the help of a pair of double-faults by the Canadian.

Having made the breakthrough, the experienced German quickly took command, winning four straight games to open up a 1-0 lead.

But Fernandez remained unfazed, fist-pumping and screaming with each winner throughout a tight second set that went to a tie-break that she took 7-5.

Kerber, 15 years older than her opponent, countered Fernandez's enthusiasm with veteran calm and focus, but it was the 73rd ranked Canadian taking charge in the third, sweeping the final five games to cinch a breathtaking victory.

"I think it was a tough one," said Kerber. "I mean I gave everything I had today.

"She played I think an unbelievable match, especially in the third set.

"I think she played also one of her best matches in

her career, and she had nothing to lose.

"She went out there, she played her tennis. She really is going for her winners."

(Reporting by Steve Keating in New York; Editing by Simon Jennings and Stephen Coates)