As the summer sun sets over Montreal, Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez is gearing up for more than just forehands and backhands at the upcoming WTA 1000 Canadian Open. The 22-year-old, known for her electrifying performance at the 2021 US Open final, has captured headlines with a bold and lighthearted announcement: she’s ready to embark on her first-ever date during her hometown tournament. In a move that blends her signature charm with a touch of vulnerability, Fernandez took to Instagram to invite potential suitors to “shoot their shot,” sparking a wave of excitement among fans and adding a personal twist to her professional journey.
Fernandez, currently ranked No. 35 in the world, has been a prominent figure in Canadian tennis since her breakout run to the 2021 US Open final, where she defeated top players like Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Emma Raducanu. Her 2025 season, however, has been a mixed bag. A second-round exit at Wimbledon against Laura Siegemund followed a lackluster performance at the French Open, where she fell in the opening round. Despite these setbacks, Fernandez remains a fan favorite, known for her tenacity on the court and her vibrant personality off it. As she prepares for the North American hard-court swing, starting with the Citi Open in Washington and culminating in the Canadian Open in Montreal from July 27 to August 7, she’s looking to make waves both in competition and in her personal life.
In a candid Instagram video, Fernandez revealed a surprising detail about her life: she has never been on a date. “Hey guys, you know what I really want to do and that I haven’t done is actually going on a date,” she said with a smile, her tone playful yet sincere. Shunning the world of dating apps, which she admitted she’s “not a big fan of,” Fernandez decided to take matters into her own hands. “I’m actually going to do things my way,” she declared, inviting interested fans to slide into her DMs for a chance to join her for a one-hour date in Montreal. The announcement, delivered with her characteristic warmth, has turned heads, with fans buzzing about the opportunity to connect with the tennis star in her hometown.
But there’s a catch: any potential date must first pass a formidable gatekeeper—Fernandez’s father and coach, Jorge. A former soccer player from Ecuador, Jorge has been a pivotal figure in Fernandez’s career, guiding her from a young age to the upper echelons of professional tennis. “This will be fun, right? This isn’t a joke. I fully intend to go on a date in Montreal so go ahead and DM me… time to shoot your shot. PS: you may have to meet my dad beforehand (good luck with that),” Fernandez captioned her post, adding a humorous nod to her father’s protective nature. The mention of Jorge, who famously stayed away from the 2021 US Open due to superstition, underscores the close-knit bond Fernandez shares with her family, which includes her mother Irene, a Filipino-Canadian, and her sisters, Bianca, a fellow tennis player, and Jodeci, a dentist.
Fernandez’s announcement comes at a time when she’s balancing her professional ambitions with personal growth. Beyond her three WTA singles titles—two at Monterrey (2021, 2022) and one at Hong Kong (2023)—she has also made strides in doubles, reaching the 2023 Roland Garros final with Taylor Townsend and the 2024 Cincinnati final with Yulia Putintseva. Her role in Canada’s historic 2023 Billie Jean King Cup victory, where she defeated Jasmine Paolini in the final, cemented her status as a national hero. Off the court, Fernandez is a multifaceted individual, studying business at Indiana University East, enjoying salsa dancing with her sister Bianca, and indulging in her love for molten lava chocolate cake. Her passion for sports extends beyond tennis, with allegiances to soccer clubs Real Madrid and Manchester City.
The Montreal date invitation has added a fresh layer of intrigue to Fernandez’s story, blending her competitive drive with a relatable quest for connection. As she prepares for the Canadian Open, where she hopes to improve on her 2024 second-round exit, the prospect of a date night in her hometown has injected a sense of fun into her preparations. “In Montreal, I would like to go on a date,” she reiterated in her video, her enthusiasm palpable. Whether this bold move leads to a romantic rendezvous or simply a memorable moment with a fan, Fernandez’s openness has endeared her further to her audience.
As the tennis world watches her next moves, both on and off the court, Fernandez’s Montreal adventure promises to be a highlight of the summer. With her racquet in one hand and her heart open to new experiences, she’s ready to serve up something special in her hometown, proving that even a tennis star can seek a little magic beyond the baseline.
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