Leylah Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian tennis sensation, has captivated fans not only with her powerful forehand but also with a charming off-court adventure into the world of romance. Fresh off her triumphant victory at the Citi DC Open, where she claimed her first WTA 500 title with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win over Anna Kalinskaya, Fernandez has shared an intriguing update about her first-ever dating experience. As she prepares for the Cincinnati Open and the upcoming US Open, her candid revelations about a budding connection have added a delightful twist to her 2025 season, leaving fans wondering if the 2021 US Open finalist is off the market.
Fernandez’s rise to stardom began at 18 when she stunned the tennis world by reaching the 2021 US Open final, defeating top players like Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Emma Raducanu. Her recent success in Washington, where she outclassed high-caliber opponents like Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina, marked her fourth WTA singles title and signaled a return to top form. “I was just very happy that I got to not only push myself physically through the limits but also mentally,” she said after the DC Open, reflecting on the confidence boost from her victory. However, her early exit at the Canadian Open in Montreal, losing 4-6, 1-6 to Maya Joint, gave her unexpected free time to pursue a personal milestone: her first date.
In a bold move before the Canadian Open, Fernandez took to Instagram, inviting potential suitors to “slide into her DMs” for a one-hour date in Montreal. “Hey guys, you know what I really want to do and I haven’t done? Is going on a date,” she said in a Tennis Channel video, explaining her aversion to dating apps. “I am not a big fan of a dating app. So I am going to do it my way.” The response was overwhelming, with over 100 messages flooding in on the first day. “There’ve been a lot of responses,” she exclaimed, laughing. “I’ve got a lot of options.” With guidance from her family, including her father and coach, Jorge, and her sister, Bianca, Fernandez carefully vetted the candidates. “His first message kind of caught my attention, and then afterwards I stalked him to make sure that he’s real,” she admitted with a chuckle. “He was a real person, seemed like a nice guy, and then got a couple of opinions from family, team members, to make sure they were okay with it too.”
The lucky suitor, whose identity remains a mystery, didn’t even see her viral video, which Fernandez found endearing. “When I asked him, ‘Did you even see my video?’ And he’s like, ‘No, I didn’t,’” she recalled. The date, initially postponed due to her DC Open commitments, took place in Montreal, and Fernandez described it as a success: “I had a good time with the guy. He was funny, he is nice.” A second date followed, and the two are staying in touch, sparking speculation about a potential romance. “There’s been a second date, and we are keeping in contact, so we’ll see,” she said, leaving the door open for future developments. Her father’s protective oversight added a humorous twist, as he insisted on meeting any suitor first. “My dad point blank asked me if I’d gone on a date yet, and I told him I hadn’t,” Fernandez shared. “He was like, ‘But, he has to meet me first!’”
Despite the excitement surrounding her personal life, Fernandez remains focused on her tennis. The Cincinnati Open, where she faced Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the second round, was a chance to build momentum, though she fell 6-3, 6-3 to the in-form Spaniard. “We have found balance, things are much better,” she said, reflecting on a challenging year that included a family health scare. As she heads to the US Open to face Anastasia Potapova in the first round, Fernandez’s newfound confidence—both on and off the court—makes her a player to watch. Her openness about her dating journey, inspired by a nudge from her father, has endeared her to fans, with former pro CoCo Vandeweghe calling her a “real threat” at Flushing Meadows. Whether she’s chasing titles or romance, Fernandez’s authenticity and charm continue to shine, making her a standout in the tennis world.
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