Leylah Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian tennis star, has captured the spotlight both on and off the court as she prepares for the Cincinnati Open in August 2025. Fresh off a triumphant victory at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where she claimed her first WTA 500 title with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win over Anna Kalinskaya, Fernandez is making headlines for more than her powerful forehand. In a candid and lighthearted interview with Tennis Channel, the 2021 US Open finalist shared a delightful update on her dating life, revealing that she recently went on her first-ever date after playfully “stalking” a potential suitor online to ensure he was genuine. “I had a good time with the guy. He was funny, he is nice,” Fernandez said, her infectious smile underscoring the excitement of this new chapter.
Fernandez’s foray into romance began with a bold move before the Citi Open, when she posted a video on Instagram inviting fans to “shoot their shot” by sliding into her DMs for a date in Montreal during the Canadian Open. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 messages flooding in on the first day alone. “There’ve been a lot of responses,” she exclaimed, laughing as she recounted the experience. “I’ve never really had the time, and no one’s really asked me, which, I don’t know why!” Her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, played a surprising role in encouraging her to take the plunge, despite his intimidating appearance often deterring suitors. “My dad point blank asked me if I’d gone on a date yet, and I told him I hadn’t,” she shared, noting that Jorge suggested the Instagram video to help her connect with someone in her hometown.
Selecting the right match proved challenging. Fernandez sifted through messages, dismissing international suitors who offered to fly in, as she didn’t want to inconvenience them. “It’s a little hard because a lot of the guys who have been messaging me are international, so they were going to fly in. I was like, I’m not going to do that to them,” she explained. One message caught her attention, and after some playful online sleuthing—“I stalked him to make sure he’s real”—she confirmed his authenticity with input from her family and team. Her younger sister, Bianca, even helped pick out an outfit for the occasion. “His first message kind of caught my attention, and when I asked him, ‘Did you even see my video?’ he said, ‘No, I didn’t,’” Fernandez laughed, charmed by his genuine approach.
The date, postponed due to the tight turnaround between the Citi Open and the Canadian Open, finally took place after Fernandez’s unexpected first-round exit in Montreal against Maya Joint (4-6, 1-6). The loss, though disappointing, gave her time to enjoy the experience, which she described as fun and refreshing. “There has been a second date, and we are keeping in contact, so we’ll see,” she teased, hinting at a budding connection with her mystery man. Despite her father’s protective presence—she jokingly warned suitors they’d need to meet Jorge first—Fernandez reassured fans that he’s “very welcoming” and “funny to be around,” dispelling his tough exterior.
On the court, Fernandez is channeling this newfound confidence into her Cincinnati Open campaign, where she enters as the 21st seed with a direct second-round spot. Her Citi Open triumph, her fourth career WTA singles title, showcased her mental and physical growth. “I was just very happy that I got to not only push myself physically through the limits but also mentally,” she said after the final, emphasizing how the win has bolstered her for the North American hard-court swing. Despite a rocky 2025 season, with early exits at Wimbledon and the Canadian Open, Fernandez remains optimistic. “My mental state has had some ups and downs,” she admitted, referencing personal challenges, including a family scare earlier in the year. “We have found balance, things are much better.”
As Fernandez prepares to face top competition in Cincinnati, with analysts like former pro CoCo Vandeweghe calling her a “real threat at the US Open,” her off-court charm is winning hearts. Her openness about her dating journey, coupled with her fierce determination on the court, paints a picture of a young star embracing life fully. With a second date already in the books and a renewed focus on her game, Fernandez is ready to make waves in Cincinnati and beyond, proving she’s a force in both love and tennis.
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