Quebec's Leylah Fernadez, Felix Auger-Aliassime advance to third round at U.S. Open

MONTREAL -- Leylah Annie Fernandez was visibly pumped after fighting through two tough sets against Kaia Kanepi to win 7-5, 7-5 to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open.

It's the first time in her career that the 18-year-old from Laval, Que., has advanced this far in the tournament.

Fernandez is the 73rd seed at the tournament and will now face no. 3 seed and last year's champion, Naomi Osaka of Japan, who also won the 2021 Australian Open. 

18-year-old Leylah Fernandez is through to the third round of the #USOpen for the *first* time in her young career! ✨

She defeats Kaia Kanepi 7-5, 7-5, saving multiple set points in the second set.

It’s a showdown with Naomi Osaka up next. �� pic.twitter.com/1LerBjR0jY

— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) September 1, 2021

Montrealer Felix Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles from Spain in straight sets 7-6, 6-3, 6-2.

The 21-year-old made it to his first ever Grand Slam quarter-finals this year when he defeated Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon.

The no. 12 seed Auger-Aliassime, will now face no. 18 seed Roberto Bautista Agut from Spain in the third round on Thursday.

With one last huge passing shot winner, @felixtennis secures his spot in the third round of the #USOpen!

Great finish after a tricky start, advancing 7-6(5), 6-3, 6-2. Roberto Bautista Agut up next.#TennisNation ���� pic.twitter.com/91KiBaEdxT

— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) September 1, 2021

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  Felix Auger-Aliassime, of Canada, returns a shot to Bernabe Zapata Miralles, of Spain, during the second round of the US Open tennis championships, Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2021, in New York. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)