Leylah Fernandez says she is not interested in going back to the past but highlights that she would have nothing against sitting down with Emma Raducanu and speaking for the first time about their 2021 US Open final meeting.
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When the Canadian and the Briton met in a Grand Slam final three and a half years ago, they were two teenagers who absolutely weren't considered contenders for the US Open title that year.
In the final, an 18-year-old Raducanu beat a 19-year-old Fernandez 6-4 6-3 to become a Grand Slam champion but also become the first-ever qualifier to have done it.
Since then, neither of the two has enjoyed much success - the Canadian has won two WTA titles but the Briton hasn't had any triumphs - which is a far cry from where they were tipped to be.
This week, both came to Abu Dhabi.
Fernandez defeated Moyuka Uchijima 7-6 (3) 7-6 (0) in her opening match, while Raducanu exited after Marketa Vondrousova claimed a 6-3 6-4 win in their meeting.
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Fernandez: Maybe me and Raducanucould have a conversation at the end of 2025
It would be interesting. But now because its in-season and we want to do well in our own careers, we try to put it behind us. We dont want to focus on it too much," the 22-year-old said.
Maybe at the end of the season when we cross paths, maybe we could have a conversation about it. For now, you cant be thinking about the past, you have to be thinking about what youre doing right now.
After making it clear that she would be open to meeting Raducanu for a conversation, Fernandez also claimed that she doesn't feel her well is any less than it was in 2021.
But one thing changed - the competition knows her better.
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I think I am at that level right now, she said. A lot of the players know me, theres a lot more video," the world No. 27 explained.
"I do a lot of video analysis and we always look for holes and weaknesses for the opponent, and Im sure theyre doing the same for me."
Meanwhile, Fernandez plays against Lulu Sun in the Abu Dhabi round-of-16.
