Just like the way she despatched Naomi Osaka in the third
round, she defeated Kerber in three sets, prevailing 4-6 7-6(5) 6-2.
It was a precocious and poised performance from Fernandez,
who celebrates her 19th birthday on Monday.
There would be no letdown for Fernandez after the biggest
win of her fledgling career, the youngster soaking up the energy from a
seething Louis Armstrong crowd after dropping the opening set to three-times
Grand Slam winner Kerber.
“Honestly, the crowd has been amazing, so thanks to them I
was able to win,” said Fernandez, who next faces fifth seeded Ukrainian Elina
Svitolina. “I was just trusting my game.
“She’s an incredible fighter, incredible player.
“Just putting one more ball back in, fighting, and just
having fun on the court.”
Fernandez had grabbed the early break at 4-2 but could not
consolidate it as Kerber, the 2016 U.S. Open winner, broke right back with the
help of a pair of double-faults by the Canadian.
Having made the breakthrough, the experienced German quickly
took command, winning four straight games to open up a 1-0 lead.
But Fernandez remained unfazed, fist-pumping and screaming
with each winner throughout a tight second set that went to a tie-break that
she took 7-5.
Kerber, 15 years older than her opponent, countered
Fernandez’s enthusiasm with veteran calm and focus, but it was the 73rd ranked
Canadian taking charge in the third, sweeping the final five games to cinch a
breathtaking victory.
“I think it was a tough one,” said Kerber. “I mean I gave
everything I had today.
“She played I think an unbelievable match, especially in the
third set.
“I think she played also one of her best matches in her
career, and she had nothing to lose.
“She went out there, she played her tennis. She really is
going for her winners.”