Leylah Fernandez, one of Canada’s brightest tennis stars, has become adept at navigating the highs and lows of professional sports, including dealing with social media abuse. At just 21 years old, the 2021 US Open finalist has already experienced both the joy of a meteoric rise and the challenges of public scrutiny. Recently, she took to Instagram to share a candid look into how she handles online negativity while also continuing her campaign at the French Open.
### **Social Media Abuse: Fernandez’s Creative Response**
On Wednesday, Fernandez’s second-round match against Wang Xiyu at Roland Garros was interrupted by rain. Leading 5-3 in the opening set, the match was postponed to the following day. Using her unexpected downtime, Fernandez posted a video on Instagram addressing the reality of being a professional tennis player, including the barrage of hateful comments players often receive.
Captioning her post, Fernandez wrote:
“As my match got suspended due to rain here at Roland Garros, here’s a look into the reality of being a tennis player. Win or lose, hate comments are definitely a thing, and it’s not always easy, but I’ve learned how to deal with them as the years have passed (shoutout to my sister for the wisdom!).”
The video, filmed during the WTA 500 tournament in Strasbourg, shows Fernandez reading some of the negative messages she received after a hard-fought match. With humor and resilience, she explained how her younger sister Bianca, also a professional tennis player, helped her cope.
“My sister said it best: that’s people who have no life. Laugh at them and that’s it. You keep living your life,” Fernandez said in the video. “My younger sister has great advice, and she’s only 20. I was supposed to be giving her advice, not the other way around!”
### **Handling Criticism and Doubt**
Despite being one of the top-ranked Canadian female players, currently sitting at No. 34 in the world, Fernandez is no stranger to skepticism and negativity. Following her remarkable run to the US Open final in 2021, where she turned 19 during the tournament, Fernandez quickly became a household name in tennis. However, injuries and fluctuating results have since brought criticism, with some labeling her earlier success as a fluke.
This is not new territory for Fernandez. In 2022, she spoke about the criticism she faced throughout her career in the *Real Me* series, where she revealed a key rule in her life: “We have actually this one rule, to never ever read an article about myself,” she said.
Even when negative comments do reach her, Fernandez chooses not to dwell on them. “If I do hear a negative comment, it goes from one ear and out the other. I don’t try to dwell on it too much,” she added.
From an early age, Fernandez was told she wasn’t built for professional tennis. Critics doubted her body frame and style of play, claiming she lacked the physical attributes to compete with taller, stronger players. But those words only fueled her determination.
“I think the biggest one was, ‘I’m too short, not fast enough, not strong enough, not powerful enough, and that my tennis game, my style of game, will not work against bigger players,’” Fernandez said. “Just hearing that has always fueled me, but also my family. Whatever those people are saying, just take it, and we are going to prove them wrong.”
### **Back to Business at Roland Garros**
Fernandez returned to the court on Thursday to resume her second-round match against Wang Xiyu. She wasted no time, serving out the first set in the ninth game to secure a 6-3 lead. The second set proved more competitive, with both players holding serve through the first six games.
Fernandez earned the first break of the set in the seventh game, taking a 4-3 lead. Despite facing two break points in the eighth game, she held firm to move to 5-3. Serving for the match in the 10th game, Fernandez encountered more resistance, saving a break point and needing four match points to close out the win.
Her 6-3, 6-4 victory secured her a spot in the third round, and Fernandez celebrated the moment with another Instagram post, captioned: “The rain didn’t spoil the party. Onto Round 3.”
### **A Balanced Perspective**
Fernandez’s ability to balance the challenges of being in the public eye with her career ambitions is a testament to her maturity. While online abuse can be overwhelming, she continues to find strength in her family and personal growth. Her playful yet poignant approach to addressing critics demonstrates that she refuses to let negativity define her.
This resilience has been a cornerstone of her career. From her Grand Slam breakthrough at the US Open to battling injuries and skeptics, Fernandez has consistently shown an ability to bounce back.
As she continues her French Open journey, Fernandez’s focus remains on her game. With her sister’s advice in mind and a strong support system, the young star is proving that she has the mental fortitude to overcome both on-court and off-court challenges.
### **Looking Ahead**
Fernandez’s performance at Roland Garros so far highlights her determination to rise above distractions and criticism. With her second-round victory, she moves closer to making a deep run in Paris. Fans and followers will undoubtedly keep an eye on her progress, not just for her tennis but for the example she sets as an athlete who handles adversity with grace and humor.
As Fernandez continues to defy the odds and prove her doubters wrong, she serves as an inspiration to athletes and fans alike. Her journey is a reminder that success is not just about talent but also about resilience, perspective, and the ability to find strength in adversity.