Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez has captured the hearts of fans not only with her powerful forehand but also with her bold and playful approach to life off the court. The 22-year-old, fresh off a triumphant run at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, recently made headlines with a lighthearted Instagram video announcing her desire to go on her first-ever date during the National Bank Open in her hometown of Montreal. The announcement, which sparked a frenzy of excitement, came with a unique twist: any potential suitor would need to meet her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, before the date could take place. Now, Fernandez has shared an intriguing update—she’s found her Montreal match, but there’s a catch that’s keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Fernandez, ranked No. 24 in the world, revealed her unconventional plan just before her stellar performance in Washington, where she clinched her fourth WTA singles title by dominating Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in the final. In her viral Instagram post, she candidly shared, “Hey guys, you know what I really want to do and that I haven’t done is going on a date. I’m not a big fan of dating apps, so I’m actually going to do things my way. I’m going to go on one date for one hour in Montreal. If you want to be my date, DM me.” The post, which garnered over 100 messages on the first day alone, was inspired by a candid conversation with her father. “My dad point-blank asked me if I’d gone on a date yet, and I told him I hadn’t,” she recalled with a laugh. “I’ve never really had the time, and no one’s really asked me, which, I don’t know why!”
The response was overwhelming, with Fernandez noting, “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 openness resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike, many of whom shared their own struggles with finding time for romance amid grueling schedules. “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. This connection with her peers underscored the challenges young elite athletes face in balancing personal lives with professional demands.
However, Fernandez’s dream date in Montreal, set to coincide with the National Bank Open from July 27 to August 7, has hit a slight snag. After her commanding performance in Washington, she revealed that her packed schedule might delay the much-anticipated outing. “Honestly, I told my date that we might have to push it back a little bit because I’m still in DC,” she said with a smile during a Tennis Channel interview. “So, hopefully, maybe at the end of Montreal, I get to have that date finally, but we’ve been talking and keeping in touch to hopefully schedule it before going to Cincy.” Her commitment to the Canadian Open, where she faces Australia’s Maya Joint in the first round, means the date will likely take place after her tournament run, adding an element of suspense to the story.
The Montreal native’s initiative draws parallels to a 2017 stunt by fellow Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard, who famously went on a date with a fan after a Twitter bet during the Super Bowl. Fernandez’s approach, however, feels uniquely personal, driven by her desire to experience a “normal” moment in her whirlwind life. “I’ve never been on one date before, so I just want to experience how it goes from there,” she explained. “It’s also 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.” Her father’s protective oversight adds a humorous hurdle, with Fernandez jokingly warning suitors, “PS: you may have to meet my dad beforehand (good luck with that).”
Fernandez’s recent success in Washington, where she upset top seed Jessica Pegula and battled through cramps to defeat Taylor Townsend in the semifinals, has boosted her confidence heading into Montreal. Her 2021 US Open final run, where she toppled top-five players like Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, remains a career highlight, and she’s eager to shine on home soil. Yet, her off-court charm, exemplified by this dating quest, has endeared her to fans worldwide. Social media buzz, with thousands of likes and comments, reflects the excitement, with one supporter noting, “This is so Leylah—bold, fun, and real.”
As Fernandez prepares for the Canadian Open, where she’s a hometown favorite, the prospect of her first date looms as a delightful subplot. Whether it happens mid-tournament or after a deep run, her willingness to embrace this new experience showcases her vibrant personality. With her father’s approval pending and a busy schedule to navigate, Fernandez’s Montreal date promises to be a memorable chapter in her already remarkable journey.
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