Canadian tennis sensation Leylah Fernandez recently sent social media into a frenzy with a charmingly earnest appeal to the men of Montréal, hoping to embark on her very first date during the upcoming National Bank Open. The 22-year-old, known for her formidable presence on the court, revealed a surprisingly relatable aspect of her life off it – a desire to experience a genuine first date, unmediated by dating apps.
The idea for this unconventional dating quest originated from an unexpected source: her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez. During a candid conversation, her father point-blank inquired if she had ever been on a date. Leylah’s reply was simple yet poignant: “No, I haven’t. I never really had the time, and nobody has really asked me – which I don’t know why!” It was this exchange that prompted her father to suggest a fun, unique approach. “How about you post a little video on Instagram and have a little date in Montreal, where you feel at home, feel comfortable, where it all started. So, it’s like a big full circle,” he proposed. Leylah readily agreed, adding one crucial, yet amusing, caveat from her father: “But… he has to meet me first!” A condition she deemed “100 percent fair.”
The response to her public invitation was immediate and overwhelming. “There’ve been a lot of responses,” she exclaimed after a recent match, clearly taken aback by the sheer volume. “I think the first day, there were maybe over 100 messages. I’ve got a lot of options.” This deluge of direct messages not only offered potential suitors but also resonated deeply with her peers. Other athletes, including some she competed alongside at the Olympics, reached out with similar sentiments. “They say, ‘I know how you feel, because when I was 22 I hadn’t gone on a date, I’m always studying, going to sport competitions,'” Fernandez shared, finding solace in the shared experience. “Reading those messages makes me feel better. It makes me feel like I’m not the odd one out. It’s pretty cool that we’re able to have that conversation all together.”
Fernandez has outlined her ideal first date as something simple and authentic. She envisions a casual meet-up at a cozy coffee shop, perhaps with some orange juice and a pastry, followed by a leisurely walk in the park or an ice cream. The focus, she emphasizes, is on genuine conversation and mutual interest. “It’s also about getting to know each other, what his hobbies are and what he likes. And he can ask me the same because, yeah, I’m a tennis player but that’s not all I am. It’s just about having a little conversation and seeing if there’s a mutual interest.” She stressed that it’s not about a serious commitment from the outset, but rather a “fun activity” and “a fun way to connect with my fans.” She plans to take a “one date at a time” approach to this unique foray into the dating world.
The vetting process for prospective dates is a collaborative family affair. Each night, Leylah sifts through the new direct messages, forwarding those that pique her interest to her trusted team, which includes her father and sisters, Bianca and Jodeci. This team then offers their recommendations, with the final decision resting with Leylah herself. While being based in Montreal is certainly a plus, a deep knowledge of tennis is not a prerequisite. “If they know tennis, they know tennis. If they don’t, I don’t really mind,” she stated, reiterating her desire for a connection beyond her professional life.
As for keeping fans updated, Fernandez has promised to share details once a date is set, though she’s keen to maintain a degree of privacy, ensuring fairness for her chosen companion. This candid and charming endeavor highlights Leylah Fernandez not just as a prodigious athlete, but as a relatable young woman navigating the complexities of personal life amidst a demanding career. Her honest search for connection has clearly struck a chord, turning a personal quest into a widely discussed phenomenon.
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