Leylah Fernandez breaks down in tears in emotional moment at Tokyo final day after grandfather’s death
Leylah Fernandez’s devastation was plain to see after the Toray Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo, where a three-set defeat to Diana Shnaider was followed by a runner-up speech in which she paid tribute to her late grandfather. She held herself together long enough to congratulate the champion, but not long enough to finish thanking her family.
Fernandez learned on the day of the final that her maternal grandfather, whom she calls “Lolo,” the Filipino word for grandfather, had died. Although the Canadian mounted an impressive comeback after trailing 4-6, 4-0, Shnaider eventually claimed a 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 victory in two hours and 18 minutes, clinching the WTA 500 trophy.
Fernandez was spotted looking emotional at her bench after the loss. When the ceremony began, the 24-year-old graciously congratulated Shnaider on her impressive campaign..
“Well, first of all, I would like to congratulate Diana. Congratulations on an amazing week, a great match. Congratulations to you and your team. Hopefully we can have many more battles like this one,” Fernandez said.
The Canadian then thanked her coach and her team, saving the hardest part for last. As Fernandez broke down in tears, she thanked her family for showing their support from afar before addressing her late grandfather in a heartfelt tribute.
“Lastly, I just want to thank my family who is back home. We just had some bad news today but thank you so much for all the support and all the messages. It really means a lot. Lolo, I know you’re looking down on us, so thank you for always being strong and supporting us. And I know you’re gonna take care of us from above, so thank you,” she added.
