Canada had already taken a 2-0 lead in the qualifying phase of the Billie Jean King Cup. Leylah Annie Fernandez managed to send Canada to the final on Saturday night with an unequivocal victory over Daniela Vismane.
Posted at 7:10 p.m.
The Latvian had given Rebecca Marino a hard time on Friday evening. The Canadian had finally won in three sets.
As for her, Fernandez was able to save herself in her duel against Darja Semenistaja, which lasted only 53 minutes.
Fatigue of the 267and player in the world ranking was felt at the start of the match. Visibly less on the legs than his opponent, Vismane had difficulty finding his rhythm in the first round.
Fernandez took advantage and made it move like windshield wipers downfield. The 21and player in the world left her opponent no leeway. As in her match the day before, the Quebecer had a strong start to the match by breaking her opponent in the first game.
“I wanted to limit the time and space [de Vismane]. I wanted to follow my game plan, be offensive, hit the ball fast and have fun on the court,” Fernandez explained after the game.
Vismane recovered somewhat then from the third game by winning her serve for the first time in the match. The Latvian, less powerful than her opponent, fed on the power of Fernandez to return several smoldering shots.
PHOTO DARRYL DYCK, THE CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Daniela Vismane
Nevertheless, Fernandez saw others and was effective in the service, in particular with outgoing first balls which left no chance for Vismane.
The 19-year-old Quebecer lost just one more game in the first set and finished it off with a great touch.
The crowd surged and Fernandez improved the chances of propelling Canada into the final.
Fernandez, without pity
The start of the second run was almost identical to the first. Fernandez smashed her opponent early on, she won her serve in the next game and Vismane won the third game.
The raucous crowd gathered at the Pacific Coliseum got on board and Fernandez never looked back.
However, the 21-year-old Latvian had a boost of energy in the mid-set as she won long rallies, landed blistering winners and added power to her shots.
On the other hand, Fernandez was never intimidated and immediately put a stop to Vismane’s momentum. She continued to be effective in the service in addition to varying her game, while maintaining the same strategy of moving her opponent as much as possible.
PHOTO DARRYL DYCK, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Leylah Annie Fernandez
The Quebecer ended the match with panache and allowed Canada to qualify for the final of the Billie Jean King Cup by winning the final set 6 to 1.
Fernandez, fist in the air, screamed in relief and pride. Captain Heidi El Tabakh and her teammates Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski, Carol Zhao and Françoise Abanda jumped for joy when the game was sealed. “It’s one of the most positive elements. Everyone on this team is great to be around. Everyone is happy for everyone, there is never a negative. »
The Canadian flag also waved in the stands. After the game, Fernandez addressed the supporters: “My favorite part of the day was hearing all of you cheering me on! Thank you so much for all the energy you gave us over the weekend! »
Canada will compete in the finals in November. It joins Australia, Belgium, Slovakia, Switzerland, Poland, Kazakhstan, Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic.
” We can win ! We can win, right? ! “Launched Fernandez to the crowd. One thing is certain, if Bianca Andreescu is healthy, the Canadian formation will certainly be a team to watch.