ITF

08 Spring 2021 ITF World Much of what Montreal- born Fernandez has achieved can be traced to that victory over Bencic and delivering for her nation in the pressurised scenario of a must-win clash. It is a result which has proven something of a launchpad. "It was an amazing and very special moment," she said. "I was just trying to do the best I could to bring Canada back into the tie. We started the day 2-0 down and I was just trying to give us a chance. "The previous day I was playing Jil Teichmann and I was playing an okay game but was missing something. Against Belinda, I found it. That gave me the confidence that I was able to do it and get through that barrier. "That victory showed me that I can play at the level of a top 5 player. I have a lot of goals for my future and career and I'd like to continue to compete at the top 5 and top 10 skill level and defeat those types of players." Meeting up with the national team also gives Fernandez the opportunity to rub shoulders with some esteemed company and tap into the substantial knowledge base of established competitors. For an aspiring player to have the likes of Grand Slam winner Bianca Andreescu, Eugenie Bouchard and Rebecca Marino in their corner and on hand for advice and guidance is invaluable. "It was honestly a little weird meeting up with Canada for the first time [versus Czech Republic in 2019] as I was pretty young and the rest of the team have so much more experience than me," added Fernandez. "But they were amazing and showed me the ropes, told me everything was fine and that I just needed to get through each day with the same attitude and intensity. They were very supportive. "The last tie with Switzerland, I felt so much closer with the team, while having the chance to really bond with some of the best women on the Tour is incredible. "During ties, we talk at dinners and I do try to learn from the other players and their experiences. I am very honoured and privileged to have them there to teach me." Fernandez's passion for representing Canada is obvious and one incident always springs to mind. Above Mee ng up with her Canada teammates has proven hugely beneficial on and off court Right Fernandez contested the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu in 2018 BILLIE JEAN KING CUP

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