BNP PARIBAS OPEN

October 8, 2021

Leylah Fernandez

Press Conference

L. FERNANDEZ/A. Cornet

6-2, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Can you talk us through your match tonight.

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ: Yes, it was a very tough match. Alize, she's very experienced. She has a lot of wins under her belt. She knows how to play in these conditions. I'm very glad I was able to play my game, execute the game plan and get the win for today.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Didn't look like the weeks of not being in competition had too much of an effect on you. How much does this performance give you confidence in terms of what to expect for your first Indian Wells?

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ: Yes, it does give me a lot of confidence because Alize, she's a very tough opponent. I've watched her play on tour. She fights for every point. I've practiced with her, too. We've had some tough practice matches. I knew that today was going to be hard.

I'm just glad I was able to get the win. It gives me confidence moving forward.

Q. In your first answer you talked about experience, Alize's experience. Despite your accomplishments, do you feel there is an experience gap? Do you feel the results you've had close that gap?

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ: There's definitely a lot of things that I can learn. I'm only 19 years old. All these players that I'm playing against have a lot more experience on tour, many more matches, many more years on tour.

Like my grandfather, like my dad always says, it doesn't matter how much I know, people who are older, who has been through these situations, know more than you do, so don't take advantage of it, just keep in the moment, work hard and wait for your opportunity.

Q. You play Pavlyuchenkova next. What do you expect in that match?

LEYLAH FERNANDEZ: It's going to be a very tough match. She's a very good player. She got to the finals in the French Open, if I'm not mistaken. She has a lot of experience. She's a great tennis player, great person outside the court. I know it's going to be a battle in a few days.