Rivard: The end of the road for Leylah – Tennis Canada

on thursday night Leylah Fernandez’ thrilling run at the 2023 National Bank Open presented by Rogers ended abruptly at the hands of United States’ Danielle Collins. Which seems to bring back the magic of her 2022 AO run .7.

After defeating Eugenie Bouchard and her fellow American Emina Bektas in the No.48 qualifiers, the current one defeated Elina Svitolina and Maria Sakkari in the main event.

Danielle blasts away from the starting point and totally defeats Leylah with her precise and powerful shot. After 25 minutes, Collins is cruising up to the break 4-1, 40 minutes 6-2.

Dismantling continues in the second series. Playing strong tennis and doing his best to fight off the relentless onslaught. Fernandez conceded in the eighth game. And gave the 29-year-old Floridian a chance to serve in the match.

Collins won her second game with love and closed it 6-2, 6-3.

She converts 3 out of 10, resting without giving away. in this quarter Danielle faces head-to-head against top team Iga Swiatek on Friday afternoon.

at the press conference after the match Laylah has only good words. for her competitors and discussed the difference in conditions compared to her afternoon’s first two matches. “Conditions are not ideal. It’s not as hot. But it’s the same condition for my opponent as well. And I may have mismanaged my sleep for the evening race.”

Still, Leylah’s time here has kept her busy. She thrilled the stadium on Thursday night and picked up her first consecutive win of 2023, meaning she will move into the top 70 when the new standings are announced on Monday.

Next station? Cincinnati

What did she get from the NBO?

“I get goosebumps every time I step onto the court. When the crowd shouts my name It was my favorite moment because I knew people were there, not just because they came to me. But because they enjoy my game. and practicing with my father and sister I spent a few hours with my family who had not seen each other for a long time. That was a very special moment for me.”

waiting game

How do players pass the time during rain delay or second rain delay? When they have to wait one or two or four hours?

It’s not easy for elite athletes who are accustomed to routines that work like machines, being stuck in rest patterns and having to reset for competition.

With all day rain on Thursday, players like Iga Swiatek, Marie Bouzkova and Daria Kasatkina (pictured) had to figure out how to cope.

What are their strategies? Tennis Canada’s women’s tennis advisor Sylvain Bruneau, who traveled the world as Bianca Andreescu’s coach in 2019, has revealed what goes on behind the scenes as the match rains down.

“Every player is different. Some will split up with their team. And you won’t see them at all. If they’re hungry, someone from their followers will fetch food. So they are really in a bubble,” he explains.

“Some people read books, listen to music, or play pool or board games. Some even play cards! And this is not the negative reflection on the women I mentioned earlier. But these players are more sociable. you will hear them laughing It differs from player to player. because it might be as long as a match Swiatek-Muchova”

Iga and Karolina’s duel began at 12:30 PM and ended more than 9 hours later at 9:30 PM, with two pauses totaling 6 hours and 10 minutes.

Nutrition is key too.

“Of course they have to think about nutrition. When a match is delayed or suspended You always want to eat a little bit. But not too much because you may be reinstated soon by the courts,” Bruno said.

Leylah Fernandez, who was scheduled to play at 7pm but was pushed back to 10pm, was at the training ground before it rained and warmed up again ahead of her match.

“If the rain stops, we will try to keep the outside court dry so she can hit it,” he added.

Ultimately, players have to find a way to adapt. “The key is to be flexible and adaptable. If you set too many methods and routines and can’t adapt, it becomes disruptive.”

How long does it take to get ready for the race?

“It depends. You can’t prepare three hours in advance. before jumping onto the field The player will start the process. Some people ride bicycles or run on a treadmill. Some will practice with the coach. And some will exercise their legs by jumping rope or stairs,” he says.

“One thing is for sure, they don’t like to go out there for a short period and then stop again, like Muchova and Swiatek did today. [Thursday]… but you can’t control that.”

And what do players do when the whole day is cleared? They don’t hang around in hotels. They will come to the stadium to practice. Or the tournament will book an indoor court for them.