Leylah Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian tennis star and 2021 US Open finalist, has set the tennis world abuzz with a bold and heartfelt social media plea for her first-ever date, just as she powers through to the semi-finals of the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. The World No. 27, known for her fierce competitiveness and infectious charisma, took to Instagram on July 18, 2025, to invite fans to slide into her DMs for a one-hour date during the upcoming National Bank Open in Montreal. The viral video, which garnered over 100 messages on its first day, came with a playful caveat: any potential suitor might need to win over her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez. Addressing misconceptions about her dad’s intimidating demeanor, Fernandez reassured fans, “He’s very welcoming. Don’t get me wrong. He’s funny to be around with, but the initial picture of him is not that great.”
The idea for the public dating call stemmed from a candid conversation with Jorge, a former Ecuadorian soccer player who has coached Leylah and her sister Bianca since their childhood in Montreal. “My dad point-blank asked me if I’d gone on a date yet, and I told him I hadn’t,” Fernandez revealed in a press conference after her first-round win over Maya Joint at the Citi DC Open. “I’ve never really had the time, and no one’s really asked me, which, I don’t know why! He suggested I post a video on Instagram and have a date in Montréal where you feel at home and you feel comfortable.” Fernandez, who admitted she’s never been on a date due to her demanding tennis schedule, emphasized her desire for a genuine connection. “I’ve never been on one date before, so I just want to experience how it goes from there,” she said. “It’s about getting to know each other, what his hobbies are, and what he likes. He can ask me the same because, yeah, I’m a tennis player, but that’s not all I am.”
Fernandez’s openness resonated widely, with fans and fellow athletes alike responding to her vulnerability. “I got responses from other athletes, including ones I went to the Olympics with, and they told me, ‘I know how you feel,’ or, ‘When I was 22, I hadn’t gone on a date yet, either,’” she shared. “At this age, we’re all either studying or going to sports competitions, so reading those messages not only makes me feel better and like I’m not the odd one out, but it’s also pretty cool that we’re able to have those conversations together.” The outpouring of support, including over 100 DMs, overwhelmed Fernandez, who laughed, “There’ve been a lot of responses. I think the first day, there were maybe over 100 messages. I’ve got a lot of options.” Her lighthearted approach mirrors a previous Canadian tennis moment when Eugenie Bouchard honored a Super Bowl bet by going on a date with a fan in 2017, a story that went viral.
On the court, Fernandez is thriving, proving her mental toughness—a trait instilled by Jorge, who prioritized resilience over technique. After defeating Joint 6-3, 6-3, she pulled off a stunning upset against top seed Jessica Pegula in the second round, winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. “It definitely feels good to reach a semi,” Fernandez said after her quarter-final victory over Taylor Townsend, 6-4, 7-5. “I think it’s been a while since I have reached a semis, almost a year. So for me, it’s a good steppingstone.” Her run in D.C., where she also reached the doubles semi-finals with Elena Rybakina before retiring due to fatigue, marks her strongest showing since the 2024 Eastbourne final. As she prepares to face Rybakina in the singles semi-finals on July 27, 2025, Fernandez’s focus remains sharp, even as her dating quest adds a charming subplot.
Jorge’s influence looms large, both as a coach and a protective father. Despite his stern appearance, Fernandez defended his warmth, saying, “I mean, I think, one, a lot of people think I’m very focused in tennis, and I am. Sometimes they think, ‘Okay, I can’t approach her and ask her out,’ and it doesn’t help that also my dad doesn’t look that welcoming.” Her playful plea, “Guys, I want to experience this. Help me out a little bit,” has endeared her to fans, who admire her authenticity. With a net worth of $6.5 million, endorsements from Lululemon and Babolat, and a foundation supporting education and sports, Fernandez is a global star. As she heads to Montreal, where the National Bank Open begins July 28, fans eagerly await updates on her date—and her quest for a WTA title. Whether on the court or in her personal life, Fernandez’s courage to take the first step is inspiring a new chapter in her remarkable journey.
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