She was inspired by the speech of her father and grandfather

When she appeared on the pitch for her first singles match after the US Open final, Leila Fernandez kept in mind the speech her father and grandfather often told her.

“Our grandfather and our father always told me: ‘What you know is not important, those who are older than you, those who are in these situations, know more than you are,'” Kubeser told a news conference on Saturday.

So, there is no question for Lela to underestimate the player who stood in front of her for this first game in Indian Wells.

Because while Alijo Cornet is now 64th in the WTA, the French woman is in her top 31, a former top 15 with more experience than Leila in the WTA.

The 19-year-old is the 23rd favorite in the California desert, so New York appeared on the court in a fortnight with the characteristic determination that characterizes her.

Five games in a row

This is quickly reflected in his game. In the first set, Fernandez won five games in a row, losing just six points in that series.

Cornet – reduced by two leg injuries – returned to the game at the end of the opening set, winning two games in a row.

But she didn’t really hurt the 28th man in the world to finally win 6-2 and 6-3 in this second round meeting.

“I know Alije very well. I followed her around the circuit, I trained with her. She struggles with every aspect, the Laval native found. We had some very difficult matches in training.”

Avoid the trap

Hours before Fernandez’s victory, she lost to her British opponent Emma Raduka (17th) in the US Open final, 6-2, 6-4, to Belarusian Alexandra Sasnovich, ranked 100th in the WTA.

Ahead of the tournament, Fernandez predicted this: This first game – Quebezer had a pass to the opening round – would look like a trap for the two stars of the last major tournament.

In their new status, they are now expected by their rivals.

“I still have a lot to learn,” Fernandez admitted. All the players I face have a lot more experience than I do. They played a lot more games than I did. ”

If Lela manages to avoid the misfortune that befell Radhuchan, she will face an even bigger test on Sunday.

Her third-round opponent was Anastasia Pavluchenkova of Russia, a 30-year-old woman who was ranked ninth seed in Indian Wells.

This is the first clash between the two players in their career.

“She is a very experienced athlete, reaching the final at Roland Garros, raising a young athlete. She is a great athlete and a good man off the field. It will be a battle.”

I. Quebec Felix Agar-alias Sim will make his debut in Indian Wells on Sunday. Seventh seed Spaniard will face Albert Ramos-Vinolas.