Canada's Leylah Fernandez sweeps into final to extend teenage dream run
17-year-old defeats Renata Zarazua, will meet Britain's Heather Watson
Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez advanced to the final of the Mexican Open with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Renata Zarazua on Friday night in Acapulco.
The 17-year-old Fernandez from Laval, Que., will play in her first-ever WTA final on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET against Britain's Heather Watson.
"It wasn't easy today," Fernandez told the media after her victory. "I'm happy that I fought and did my best to get the win."
Watson defeated China's Xiyu Wang 6-4, 7-6 (8) in the tournament's other semifinal.
WATCH | Leylah Fernandez flies into 1st-first career WTA final:
Fernandez and Zarazua had never played before, with the Canadian finishing her Mexican opponent in one hour 27 minutes.
"I honestly took the energy from the crowd," said Fernandez. "I love how loud it is, and how emotional they are and that helped me too, even though they cheered for Renata most of the time. It helped me, and that made me stay focused a lot more."
Fernandez became the youngest finalist in the Mexican Open's history when Zarazua double faulted while serving on match point.
She is also the first Canadian to make the event's final