The tennis world is abuzz with admiration for Leylah Fernandez, whose recent triumph at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., has solidified her status as a rising star. The 22-year-old Canadian, fresh off her fourth WTA title and first WTA 500 crown, used her platform at a Cincinnati Open press conference on August 10, 2025, to pay heartfelt tribute to tennis icon Venus Williams. Fernandez’s glowing words about the seven-time Grand Slam champion, whom she calls a “legend” and an “icon,” highlight the profound impact Williams has had on her career and personal journey, drawing parallels between their families’ paths in tennis. As Fernandez gears up for the North American hard-court swing, her praise for Williams underscores the enduring influence of a trailblazer who continues to inspire at age 45.
Fernandez’s DC Open victory was a masterclass in resilience, as she overcame top seed Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, Elena Rybakina, and Anna Kalinskaya to claim the biggest title of her career. The win, her first since Hong Kong in 2023, catapulted her 12 spots to No. 24 in the WTA rankings, setting the stage for a strong showing at the Cincinnati Open and the upcoming US Open. Reflecting on her idols, Fernandez spoke passionately about Williams, who made a remarkable return to the WTA Tour in Washington after a 16-month hiatus. “Venus is a legend. She is an icon,” Fernandez declared. “When I was young and started playing tennis, people would ask me whom I looked up to when I was little. I always said Justine Henin and the Williams sisters. I see many similarities between her family and mine. They paved the way for us.”
Williams’ comeback in D.C. was a story of defiance and passion. At 45, she became the oldest woman to win a WTA main-draw match since Martina Navratilova in 2004, defeating Peyton Stearns in straight sets. Though her run ended in the second round against Magdalena Frech, Williams’ performance captivated fans and players alike. Fernandez, who trained with Williams in 2020 as she transitioned to the professional circuit, recalled the experience with awe. “I thought I would feel very intimidated, but she was very kind and welcoming,” she said. “It encouraged me a lot, so it was great.” That practice session, arranged when Fernandez was an emerging talent, left a lasting impression, reinforcing her belief in the power of mentorship and camaraderie in tennis.
The parallels Fernandez sees between her family and the Williams sisters are deeply personal. Her father, Jorge, a former professional footballer from Ecuador, drew inspiration from Richard Williams, the father of Venus and Serena, in coaching his daughters, Leylah and Bianca, despite no prior tennis experience. “Her story has a little bit of a parallel with mine and my dad and my mom,” Fernandez noted, crediting Venus for reminding her of the joy in tennis. “She’s been a huge impact not only for myself but for my whole family. It’s so cool to see a legend still playing, still doing what she loves. It’s not to prove people wrong, but because she truly loves the sport, and you can see the kid in her.” Williams’ return, driven by passion rather than external validation, resonated deeply with Fernandez, who has faced her own challenges this season, including a family health scare that tested her mental resilience.
Fernandez’s admiration extends beyond Williams’ on-court achievements. Venus, alongside Serena, redefined tennis, breaking barriers for women of color and earning 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles and five Olympic medals. Her recent wildcard entry into Cincinnati, where she fell to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round, and her upcoming US Open mixed doubles appearance with Reilly Opelka highlight her enduring competitive spirit. Fernandez, who faced a setback with a first-round loss to Maya Joint at the Canadian Open, sees Williams’ persistence as a reminder to embrace tennis as a privilege. “I love that, because sometimes we forget that we started playing this sport as a kid with joy and passion,” she said. “Venus, she reminded me that tennis is a sport where you have fun, you get down and you get back up, and you’re still laughing.”
As Fernandez prepares for Cincinnati, where she faces Bouzas Maneiro in a highly anticipated first-round clash, her words reflect a maturity beyond her years. Her DC Open triumph, coupled with her heartfelt praise for Williams, signals a player poised for greatness. With the US Open on the horizon, Fernandez’s blend of talent, gratitude, and inspiration from a legend like Venus positions her as a force to watch. The tennis world eagerly awaits her next chapter, where she’ll carry the lessons of joy and resilience from her idol into every match.
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