Leylah Fernandez and Coco Gauff to meet in exhibition match in Atlanta

Two of the biggest hopes for North American tennis, Leylah Fernandez and Coco Gauff, will meet in an exhibition match hosted by the Atlanta Open.

Gauff and Fernandez are two of the most talented young players in the women's game. Of the two, Gauff has been more widely known for a more extended period after her run to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2019 as a 15-year-old.

After a few years of sometimes unreasonable expectations on the American's shoulders, she reached her first Grand Slam final at this year's French Open. The 18-year-old did not drop a set on her way to the final.

Ultimately, Iga Swiatek proved to be too difficult for Gauff to overcome. However, getting to her first major final after being in the spotlight since 2019 will undoubtedly boost her confidence.

Before the 2021 US Open, Fernandez was unknown to the wider tennis community. The Canadian changed that with a stunning run to the final in New York, defeating Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Aryna Sabalenka along the way.

The pair have never played each other on the WTA Tour before, but they are set to cross paths in an exhibition match after Gauff confirmed the exciting news in a post on her Twitter page.

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Fernandez and Gauff have the makings of an entertaining matchup. Fernandez's heavy left-handed topspin forehand into Gauff's formidable backhand will likely create many fun rallies. Both players are also excellent athletes, which should lead to long rallies.

This will be an excellent way for both women to prepare for the North American hardcourt season. However, for now, Gauff and Fernandez will be focused on succeeding during the grass-court season.

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