As the clay courts of the Madrid Open beckon, Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez took a moment away from her rigorous training to celebrate a deeply personal milestone: the birthday of her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez. On April 23, 2025, the 22-year-old, known for her fiery spirit and relentless drive, shared a touching message on her Instagram Story, accompanied by a cherished photo of the father-daughter duo. The post, a testament to their unbreakable bond, read, “To the person who believes in me more than anyone else,” capturing the profound influence Jorge has had on her journey from a Montreal prodigy to a global tennis sensation.
Jorge Fernandez, a former semi-professional soccer player from Ecuador, has been the cornerstone of Leylah’s career, guiding her and her younger sister, Bianca, with a passion that transcends his lack of formal tennis experience. Born in Guayaquil and raised in Canada since age four, Jorge drew on his athletic background to instill mental toughness and independence in his daughters. His unconventional coaching style, rooted in soccer-inspired tactics like explosive movement and strategic angles, has shaped Leylah into a formidable force, capable of toppling giants like Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka en route to the 2021 US Open final. “For me, the mental to the physical is three to one. Mental is extremely important,” Leylah said at the 2023 Australian Open, crediting her father’s emphasis on psychological resilience. “I’m very grateful my parents, especially my dad, has reinforced that.”
The birthday tribute echoes a tradition of heartfelt gestures from Leylah, who last year posted a video montage of their shared moments, both on and off the court. “Happy birthday to the person who supports me the most, who makes me laugh the most, who believes in me more than anyone else, who supports me at all times, who helps me achieve all my dreams… and much more. I love you daddyyyyyy 🥰,” she wrote in Spanish, a nod to their shared heritage. This year’s message, though simpler, carries the same weight, reflecting a bond forged through sacrifice and triumph. Jorge’s decision to coach Leylah, despite initial skepticism from tennis insiders, required immense dedication. He immersed himself in the sport, studying videos and texts, and even parted ways with Tennis Canada’s program to prioritize Leylah’s unique path, a move his wife, Irene, initially questioned. “I thought he was crazy,” Irene once admitted, but Jorge’s vision proved prescient.
Leylah’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. After her breakout 2021 season, injuries and inconsistent form saw her ranking slip, but Jorge’s unwavering belief kept her grounded. His absence from the 2021 US Open, due to superstition after a loss in Acapulco, underscored his commitment to Leylah’s independence. “I always found that I had to push her towards independence, so that she could make her own decisions,” Jorge once said, emphasizing development over immediate results. This philosophy paid dividends when Leylah, then 19, reached her first Grand Slam final, galvanizing Canada and earning her a Billie Jean King Cup title in 2023.
Off the court, Jorge’s influence extends to Leylah’s broader life. A business management student at Indiana University East, she balances academics with her Lululemon ambassadorship and philanthropy through the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation. Jorge’s lessons in resilience resonate in her advocacy for education and sports access, reflecting the immigrant grit of a family that includes Irene, a Filipino-Canadian, and Bianca, a rising UCLA tennis star. “Canada has done so much for us, especially for my dad,” Leylah said after her 2021 US Open semifinal, honoring the opportunities that shaped their journey.
As Leylah prepares for Madrid, where she’s ranked No. 34 and eyeing a deep run, Jorge’s birthday serves as a reminder of the human story behind her success. While recent allegations from a former WTA player about Jorge’s coaching methods surfaced, Leylah has remained silent, letting their bond speak through actions and affection. With the French Open on the horizon, where she won the 2019 junior title, Leylah carries her father’s mantra: “There’s no limit to my potential.” In Madrid, she’ll swing with the same heart that penned her birthday wish, proving that love and legacy are as powerful as any forehand.