Leylah Fernandez, one of the rising stars of women’s tennis, has been making the most of her off-season by embracing a well-rounded mix of relaxation, family time, and personal interests. Fresh off a challenging yet promising 2024 season, the Canadian tennis sensation recently shared glimpses of her off-court adventures through Instagram, offering fans a candid look at her multifaceted personality.
Arcade Antics and Family Fun
In one of her latest social media posts, Fernandez gave her followers a peek into her playful side, engaging in a classic arcade challenge: the stick-falling reaction game. Known for testing hand-eye coordination and reflexes, this game offered a lighthearted contrast to the high-pressure world of professional tennis.
The video clip captured Fernandez’s relatable struggle as she missed several sticks early on, only to redeem herself by catching a few in quick succession. Her amused reaction, punctuated by laughter, resonated with fans who are used to seeing her intense focus on the tennis court. Captioning the post with a self-deprecating “I have some work to do,” Fernandez showed that even elite athletes can have moments of playful humility.
The scene also highlighted the importance of family in Fernandez’s life. Throughout her career, she has consistently emphasized how her family’s support and close-knit bond have been instrumental in her success. This arcade outing was a testament to her commitment to maintaining strong family ties, even amidst a demanding professional schedule.
Immersed in Premier League Action
Switching gears from arcade games to the pitch, Fernandez also shared another side of her off-season activities: her deep love for soccer. In a separate Instagram story, she posted a video of herself engrossed in the highly anticipated Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City. Her sister Bianca appeared in the background, striking a cheerful pose, but Leylah remained intensely focused on the game. The caption, “Soccer time means I’m locked in,” reflected her passion for the sport and her ability to draw parallels between soccer and tennis.
A Soccer Fanatic at Heart
Fernandez’s love for soccer is no secret. In various interviews, she has spoken about her admiration for Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, whose coaching philosophy she finds particularly inspiring. During a 2021 conversation, she elaborated on this connection, saying, “I really like Pep and his style is like my tennis game, so I’m learning from him.” She went on to highlight the strategic similarities between Guardiola’s approach to soccer and her own tennis strategy. “Pep is a very demanding coach, but the way he builds his team is amazing, as is his tactical planning. I can see how much they open up the field and try to pick holes and work it. When I put that together with tennis, I am an offensive player, trying to find the holes on the court, open it up, and hit winners where I can.”
This insight into Fernandez’s mindset offers a fascinating look at how athletes across different sports can draw inspiration from each other. Guardiola’s tactical genius has clearly left an impression on Fernandez, shaping her approach to tennis and reinforcing her belief in the importance of strategic thinking and adaptability.
A Family Tradition: Real Madrid Roots
Fernandez’s connection to soccer runs deeper than just tactical admiration. Her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, played soccer at a local level and is a devoted Real Madrid fan. Leylah’s affinity for the club is a direct result of her father’s influence. In an interview with Eurosport during the Madrid Open in 2022, she shared, “Growing up, the number one thing is that my dad is a Real Madrid fan, so of course I was attracted to the soccer team as well.”
This familial connection to Real Madrid underscores the role sports have played in shaping Fernandez’s identity, both on and off the court. It’s not just about watching matches or following favorite teams; it’s about the lessons, values, and inspirations drawn from these experiences that contribute to her growth as an athlete and individual.
Reflecting on a Solid 2024 Season
While Fernandez’s off-season activities have been filled with fun and relaxation, her 2024 season on the court deserves recognition. In singles, she reached two quarterfinals at WTA 1000 events, demonstrating her continued development and resilience. Her overall singles record for the season stood at 31-24, reflecting a competitive and determined performance.
In doubles, Fernandez made significant strides as well. Partnering with Yulia Putintseva, she reached the final of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati, marking her second appearance in a tournament final of this caliber. Her doubles record of 19-13 indicates her growing versatility and ability to excel in multiple formats of the game.
These achievements highlight Fernandez’s steady progress and her potential to climb even higher in the WTA rankings. Her ability to balance singles and doubles success speaks to her adaptability and well-rounded game, qualities that will serve her well in the years to come.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Passion and Performance
As Fernandez prepares for the upcoming season, her off-season activities reflect a holistic approach to life and sport. Engaging in lighthearted fun with her family and immersing herself in soccer matches are not just ways to unwind; they are integral to maintaining her mental and emotional well-being. The lessons she draws from soccer, particularly her admiration for Pep Guardiola’s tactical brilliance, will undoubtedly continue to influence her approach on the tennis court.
Fans can look forward to seeing a refreshed and inspired Leylah Fernandez when she returns to competitive action. Her off-season adventures are a reminder that even the most dedicated athletes need moments of joy, reflection, and inspiration to fuel their journeys. Whether she’s laughing at missed sticks in an arcade game or analyzing a Premier League match with laser focus, Fernandez’s multifaceted approach to life and sport sets her apart as a true competitor and a relatable role model.