Leylah Annie Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian tennis sensation, has captivated audiences with her electrifying performances on the court, most recently reaching the final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., on July 27, 2025. As she prepares to face Anna Kalinskaya in a bid for her first WTA 500 title, Fernandez’s journey extends far beyond her athletic prowess. Her multicultural background, shaped by her Ecuadorian and Filipino heritage, and her Canadian upbringing, adds depth to her story, making her a compelling figure in the world of tennis.
Born on September 6, 2002, in Montreal, Quebec, Fernandez holds Canadian nationality, a reflection of her deep connection to the country that has shaped her identity. “Canada has done so much for us, especially for my dad, for my grandparents,” Fernandez once said, expressing gratitude for the opportunities her family found in the nation. Her father, Jorge Fernandez, hails from Guayaquil, Ecuador, and moved to Canada at age four, later becoming a citizen at 14. A former professional soccer player, Jorge transitioned into coaching his daughters, Leylah and her younger sister Bianca, despite having no prior tennis experience. His unconventional approach, blending soccer-inspired agility training with self-taught tennis strategies, has been instrumental in Leylah’s development. “My dad told me there was no limit to my potential. Nothing’s impossible,” Fernandez recalled, crediting her father’s belief in her as a driving force behind her success.
Fernandez’s mother, Irene Exevea, is a Filipino Canadian whose parents hail from Leyte and Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Irene’s sacrifices, including working in California for several years to support the family, left a profound impact on Leylah. “Those few years have been definitely hard for me because I needed a mom,” Fernandez shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of their separation between ages 10 and 13. “Every time I was on court, I had the focus and mentality that said, ‘I’m going to do everything in my power to be closer to my dreams, so we can be together again.’” The family’s eventual reunion in Boynton Beach, Florida, where they now reside, allowed Fernandez to pursue tennis year-round while strengthening their bond. Irene’s calming presence continues to be a pillar of support, with Leylah noting her mother’s ability to inspire positivity and resilience in the family.
Fernandez’s mixed ethnicity—Ecuadorian from her father and Filipino from her mother—has enriched her cultural perspective, making her trilingual in English, French, and Spanish. This linguistic versatility, a product of her Montreal upbringing and familial roots, has endeared her to fans worldwide. While little is known about her religious beliefs, some reports suggest Fernandez may follow Christianity, though she has not publicly confirmed this. Her focus remains on her craft, with a mental toughness forged by early challenges, including a teacher who once told her to abandon tennis for academics. “I’m glad she told me that because every day I have that phrase in my head saying, ‘I’m going to keep going, push through, prove to her everything I’ve dreamed of, I’m going to achieve,’” Fernandez said, turning doubt into motivation.
Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Fernandez was exposed to athletics early on, dabbling in soccer, volleyball, and track before tennis captured her heart. Her father’s soccer background and her mother’s sacrifices instilled a relentless work ethic. Fernandez’s younger sister, Bianca Jolie, is also a professional tennis player, competing alongside Leylah in doubles, including a semifinal run at the 2024 Canadian Open. Their older sister, Jodeci, pursued a different path as a dentist, rounding out a family that balances ambition with unity.
Fernandez’s breakthrough came in 2021 when, at 19, she reached the US Open final, defeating top players like Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Aryna Sabalenka. Though she fell to Emma Raducanu, her performance marked her as a rising star. Since then, she has claimed three WTA titles, including the 2023 Hong Kong Open, and led Canada to its first Billie Jean King Cup victory in 2023. Off the court, Fernandez’s Leylah Annie & Family Foundation supports education and sports for underserved families, reflecting her commitment to giving back. Her love for Filipino cuisine, particularly her grandfather’s adobo, and her passion for salsa dancing with Bianca add personal touches to her vibrant persona.
As Fernandez steps onto the court in Washington, her journey embodies resilience, cultural pride, and familial support. Win or lose, her story continues to inspire, proving that her roots—spanning Ecuador, the Philippines, and Canada—are as integral to her success as her powerful forehand.
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