National Bank Open | Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu attempt Toronto comeback

(Toronto) A persistent foot injury that sidelined Laval’s Leylah Fernandez for more than two months allowed her to learn more about herself.

Now Fernandez knows how impatient she can be.

“I thought I was going to be extremely patient and that I was going to be able to take this time off and accept it,” Fernandez said of the injury suffered May 31 in the French Open quarter-finals against Barcelona. ‘Italian Martina Trevisan.

“But really, I was just anxious. I took my racquet and tried to sneak up to the tennis court. »

The Quebecer is one of the five Canadians who will take part in the National Bank Tennis Open in singles. The women’s competition kicks off Monday in Toronto.

The 19-year-old only received permission to take part in the tournament last Thursday. Like many others, Fernandez hopes to be able to capitalize on his return to competition.

“When I got the green light from my doctors, it was the best time I could ask for,” said the 13^e seeded Saturday. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions and I’m excited to be back and happy to be able to compete. »

Ontario’s Bianca Andreescu is also trying to make a comeback of sorts. She won the competition in 2019 — when it was still called the Rogers Cup — and went on to claim her first Grand Slam title.

His U.S. Open triumph capped off his best season ever. These two victories, acquired at the expense of the great Serena Williams, propelled Andreescu to fourth place in the world rankings.

However, a few months after these moments of glory, she was forced to stop for 15 months due to a left knee injury. After contracting COVID-19, she took a “mental break” from tennis towards the end of 2021.

Recently, Andreescu has been struggling with her back, but she said Sunday she will be ready for her first-round match at the National Bank Tennis Open.

Andreescu added that she is happy to be back in front of her fans for the first time since 2019 and is ready to regain some of the momentum she had that season.

“I trained today and I already felt better than the other days I trained,” noted Andreescu.

“I think it’s the court and the environment. It brings back so many good memories. »