Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez admits that her career trajectory since her impressive 2021 US Open run hasn’t exactly followed her ideal path, yet she remains steadfast in her resolve to break into the top echelons of the sport. Fernandez, who entered the global spotlight with her spectacular run to the US Open final as an 18-year-old, has faced both success and challenges in the years since. However, she has remained focused on her goals and insists she’s still learning, evolving, and highly motivated to reach her fullest potential.
Fernandez’s breakthrough in 2021 was nothing short of remarkable. Ranked No. 77 in the world, she entered the US Open with few expectations from analysts and fans alike. Yet, she dismantled some of the biggest names in tennis on her journey to the final, defeating Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and then-top seed Aryna Sabalenka. The string of upsets turned heads around the world and instantly elevated Fernandez to one of tennis’s most exciting young stars.
In a final showdown against another 18-year-old phenom, Emma Raducanu, Fernandez fell just short of capturing the title, losing 6-4, 6-3. Raducanu, a qualifier, made history as the first-ever qualifier to win a Grand Slam. Despite the loss, Fernandez’s run was widely celebrated, with fans and experts alike predicting great things for both teenagers. Yet, the high expectations placed on Fernandez and Raducanu following their breakout performances at Flushing Meadows have proven challenging to meet.
Since 2021, Fernandez has claimed two WTA 250 titles and achieved a notable quarterfinal finish at the 2022 French Open. However, her Grand Slam performances have lacked the consistency she showcased in 2021, partially due to injury struggles and fluctuating form. Now ranked No. 32, Fernandez has faced both physical and mental challenges, but she remains undeterred and committed to her growth. “The progression as a player hasn’t been straightforward, with a lot of ups and downs,” Fernandez reflected recently. “There have been some changes in my game that I didn’t want, but I just had to keep learning and growing. Because of those experiences, I’ve been able to learn more about myself as a person and who I want to become on court.”
Fernandez’s resilience and commitment to self-improvement are evident in her approach to setbacks and her long-term goals. “I’m a very ambitious person, and we are a very ambitious team with high goals,” she explained. “We can’t always be satisfied with the results we’ve achieved in the past and must keep looking ahead.” Her words resonate with her drive to reach the heights she has envisioned since she first picked up a racket as a young child in Montreal.
In the aftermath of her 2021 US Open final loss, Fernandez openly admitted that the experience had left a lasting impact. Speaking in her post-final press conference, Fernandez revealed a mix of pride in her accomplishments and disappointment over the missed opportunity. “I think this loss, I’m going to carry it for a very long time,” she said. “I think it will motivate me to do better in training, better for the next opportunity I get. But, no, I’m very happy with myself, with the way I competed and the way I acted on court these past two weeks.” The loss, however painful, became a catalyst for Fernandez, driving her to improve not only her technical skills but her mental and emotional resilience as well.
Recently, Fernandez returned to Hong Kong, the site of her third WTA title, eager to defend her crown and close out her season on a high note. The Canadian, now 22, has relished the warm support of the Hong Kong crowd and acknowledges how meaningful fan enthusiasm is to her as an athlete. “My dad has always said the job of an athlete is to entertain. For me, we wouldn’t have this job if it wasn’t for the fans. Seeing how passionate they are for the sport, for tennis, for women’s sports especially, truly motivates me to be better,” Fernandez shared.
In her latest match, Fernandez breezed past Australian Kim Birrell with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory, a performance that reinforced her confidence as she progresses deeper into the tournament. “As the defending champion, you want to achieve good results, but also, I felt so much love from the fans, as if I’ve been coming here every year,” Fernandez said following her victory. “It just feels great to be back. I’m super happy to experience this again as my last tournament for the year. I want to enjoy the moment, enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible.”
As Fernandez prepares for her next challenge against Bernarda Pera in the quarterfinals, she remains focused on savoring each moment on court, while also keeping her gaze firmly fixed on her larger ambitions. Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles, but Fernandez’s dedication to her craft, coupled with her humility and introspective nature, has kept her grounded and motivated.
With a steadily climbing ranking and the experience gained through her victories and setbacks, Fernandez seems poised to realize the potential that made her a breakout star in 2021. She’s learned that the path to greatness isn’t always linear, but her unwavering belief in her goals and determination to keep improving suggest she’ll continue to be a powerful force on the WTA tour in the years to come.