The 19-year-old, who celebrated her birthday on Monday, defeated the fifth-seeded Ukrainian 6-3 3-6 7-6 to become the youngest US Open semifinalist since Maria Sharapova in 2005.
The win over Svitolina is another kudos to Fernandez in this incredible streak, with Canadian already reigning champion Naomi Osaka and 2016 winner Angelique Kerber delivering.
“Today’s game was definitely one of the hardest, not only in tennis, but mentally and emotionally,” Fernandez told reporters.
“Svitolina is a great player, a great fighter. I was happy to fight in the first set. She increased her level in the second set and unfortunately I made a few mistakes at key moments.
“I’m glad I was able to recover for the third set. The tiebreak too. A little luck on five, but I’ll use all the luck I can get. I was happy to push through the finish line.”
Fernandez has become a fan favorite at Flushing Meadows throughout her run and the supporters within Arthur Ashe were once again audible behind her.
The youngster showed remarkable balance for someone so inexperienced in what was a tense match, winning the last two points – the first of which was a somewhat coincidental net cord – in the deciding tiebreaker.
When she came back to the locker room, Fernandez said the first thing she did was her father.
“He told me honestly that I sent him through hell and back with this match,” she laughed.
“But he’s very happy for me. He’s happy that I was able to fight for every point. I deserved this win. Just keep working, enjoy this win today, and tomorrow we’ll go back to work.”
Canadian men are also making history in Flushing Meadows
However, fellow teenager Carlos Alcaraz’s run at the US Open was abruptly ended when the Spaniard had to withdraw injured from his quarter-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Alcaraz said after the match that it was his right adductor muscle that forced his early retirement from what had promised to be a thrilling clash between two of tennis’s best up and coming talents.
Auger-Aliassime led 6-3 3-1 when Alcaraz withdrew to become the first men’s player, born in the 2000s, to reach a grand slam semi-final.
At just 21 years old, he also becomes the first Canadian men’s player in history to reach the semifinals of the US Open.