Leylah Fernandez, Canada’s 22-year-old tennis darling, arrived in Montreal for the 2025 National Bank Open riding a wave of triumph after clinching the Mubadala Citi DC Open title just days earlier. However, her homecoming turned sour with a shocking first-round exit against Australian teenager Maya Joint on July 29, 2025, losing 6-4, 6-1 in a mere 75 minutes. The defeat, in front of an electric crowd at IGA Stadium, was compounded by Fernandez’s candid revelation of unfulfilled scheduling promises from tournament organizers, which she hinted were tainted by “political issues.” Her disappointment, voiced in a heartfelt press conference, underscored the emotional toll of the loss and the challenges of competing on home soil.
Fernandez’s DC Open victory, her fourth career WTA title and first at the 500 level, was a career-defining moment. She stormed through a tough field, defeating top seed Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, Elena Rybakina, and Anna Kalinskaya in a dominant 6-1, 6-2 final. “The match was very solid from my part,” Fernandez said in Washington, praising her ability to hold her nerve. The grueling week, marked by over nine hours on court and battles against cramps, heat, and humidity, showcased her resilience. “I have gone through so many different challenges this week,” she reflected. “It just has made me stronger in a way that if I can get through anything.” Yet, the quick turnaround to Montreal, arriving at 2 a.m. Monday after Sunday’s final, left her with little rest, a situation exacerbated by unmet expectations for a night match slot.
In her post-match press conference in Montreal, Fernandez expressed deep frustration over the scheduling. “I received a lot of promises from scheduling about giving me maybe the night match, and I did not receive that,” she said. “So that kind of hurt me because I was very looking forward to be playing at night, but you know, I guess it’s a little bit political issues at that point.” The decision, dictated by WTA protocols requiring first-round matches to conclude before second-round play, meant Fernandez played Tuesday afternoon, robbing her of crucial recovery time. She also criticized the WTA’s tone when informing her father and coach, Jorge, noting their sarcastic question about whether “two or three hours would make a difference.” For Fernandez, who slept only three or four hours before a foundation event Monday morning, those hours could have been pivotal. “Maybe I win the match, maybe I don’t, but of course it helps,” she said.
Despite the loss, Fernandez was touched by the Montreal crowd’s energy, a first-time experience at IGA Stadium. “It felt great being on court, hearing the fans and feeling their support. It was awesome, and I mean awesome,” she said, her voice tinged with regret. “I’m just disappointed with my level of play, and it wasn’t fair for them. I mean, it was a very, very low level.” The emcee’s efforts to rally the crowd warmed her heart, as she noted, “I never had that kind of energy before, and it was just an honor and a lot of fun.” Yet, her fatigue was evident against Joint, ranked No. 45, who avenged a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Fernandez in Washington’s first round.
Tournament director Valérie Tétreault acknowledged the scheduling constraints, admitting, “I didn’t win my fight” to secure Fernandez a night session. Tennis Canada’s statement clarified that Fernandez’s match was set as late as possible within WTA rules, given her late arrival. The scheduling conflict, with the WTA 500 DC Open final overlapping with the WTA 1000 Canadian Open’s start, highlighted broader calendar issues. “The calendar is supposed to be made so that the 1000-level tournaments are prioritized over a WTA 500,” Tétreault said, calling for a review.
Fernandez’s 2025 season has been a tale of highs and lows. Her DC Open triumph followed a challenging year with early exits at the French Open and Wimbledon, where she fell in the second round to Laura Siegemund. Her 19-17 record reflects her struggle to recapture the form that carried her to the 2021 US Open final at age 18. Yet, her Washington run, fueled by “good vibes” and late-night Shake Shack meals with her father, reignited her confidence. “It’s been pretty sh*t, to be honest,” she laughed in Montreal, reflecting on her season before Washington. “I’ve been working very hard for a long time.”
As Fernandez shifts focus to doubles with her sister Bianca Jolie, facing top seeds Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini on July 30, she carries the weight of home expectations. Her viral dating offer, which garnered over 100 responses, and her glamorous DC Open photoshoot showcased her off-court charisma, but Montreal’s disappointment stings. With the US Open looming, Fernandez’s fight to overcome setbacks, both on and off the court, remains a compelling chapter in her journey.
Leave a Reply