Google News Leylah Fernandez opens up on surviving 'minor heart attacks' during tight BJK Cup win
by DZEVAD MESIC
Canada's Leylah Fernandez said she "probably had a couple of minor heart attacks" during a tight Billie Jean King Cup Finals win over Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo. On Wednesday, former world No 13 Fernandez beat Sorribes Tormo 7-6 (8) 7-6 (7).
The match was pretty tight from start to finish and it should also be noted that Sorribes Tormo had the crowd behind her since the host city for the event is Seville, Spain. The outcome of the match could have been completely different as Sorribes Tormo had set points in both sets.
By beating Sorribes Tormo, Fernandez ensured Canada's win over Spain since Marina Stakusic beat Rebeka Masarova in the opening match of the tie. “It was nerve-racking. I probably had a couple of minor heart attacks myself, but it was an exciting match and fun to play.
Last time I played against Sara, it was a tough battle and I knew it was going to be a tough battle. I talked with my captain and team members and they told me that today is just a bull fight. I was happy that in tough moments I was able to play my game," Fernandez told the Billie Jean King Cup website.
Fernandez overcame Sorribes Tormo in two tight sets
In the first set, Fernandez was twice down by a break but both times managed to get the breaks back. After failing to serve out for the first set in the 12th game, Sorribes Tormo also missed out on three set points in the first-set tie-break.
After recovering twice from a break down and saving three set points, Fernandez clinched and realized her first set point to steal the opener from Sorribes Tormo. The second set was pretty much a repetition of the first set as Sorribes Tormo was twice up by a break but Fernandez again managed to work her way back into the set.
After failing to serve out for the second set in the ninth game, Sorribes Tormo also didn't realize any of her two set points in the second-set tie-break. Sorribes Tormo paid the price for not realizing her chances as Fernandez earned her first match point and converted it to complete a two-set win.