Proudly Filipina, Fiercely Canadian: Who Is Leylah Fernandez?

Serving Up Greatness: The Rise of Leylah Fernandez in World Tennis

Leylah Annie Fernandez’s journey into tennis began in Montreal, Quebec, where she was born on September 6, 2002. With a multicultural heritage—her father Jorge is Ecuadorian and her mother Irene is Filipino-Canadian—Leylah grew up in a household that emphasized discipline, perseverance, and pride in one’s roots. Her father, a former soccer player, took on the role of coach early in her career, despite having no formal tennis background. That unconventional setup didn’t stop Leylah from rising quickly through the ranks. By age 16, she had reached the final of the Australian Open girls’ singles and won the French Open junior title in 2019, becoming the first Canadian female to win a junior Grand Slam since Eugenie Bouchard.

Her breakout moment came at the 2021 US Open, where she stunned the tennis world by defeating three top-5 players—Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, and Aryna Sabalenka—en route to the final. Though she fell to Emma Raducanu, her fearless play and emotional post-match speech marked her as a rising star.

### Playing Style: Tenacious, Tactical, and Left-Handed

Fernandez plays left-handed with a two-handed backhand, a combination that gives her a natural edge in matchups. Her style is rooted in aggressive baseline play, where she thrives on dictating rallies and taking the ball early. She’s known for her ability to switch from offense to defense seamlessly, though she generally prefers to stay on the attack.

One of her most defining traits is her court intelligence. Leylah reads opponents well, often anticipating shots and adjusting her positioning accordingly. She’s not the tallest player on tour (standing at 1.68 m), but she compensates with speed, agility, and a relentless fighting spirit. Her matches are often characterized by long rallies, sharp angles, and sudden changes in pace.

### Strengths: Forehand Firepower and Mental Fortitude

Fernandez’s forehand is her most potent weapon. She hits it flat and fast, often using it to change direction mid-rally or to open up the court with cross-court angles. Her ability to take the ball early and redirect pace makes her particularly dangerous on hard courts, where timing and precision are key.

Her backhand, while not as explosive, is remarkably consistent. She frequently uses it down the line to surprise opponents and gain control of rallies. In long exchanges, her backhand has proven to be a reliable shot that helps her stay in points and wear down rivals.

Mentally, Leylah is a warrior. She thrives under pressure and has shown a knack for winning tight three-set matches. Her run at the 2021 US Open was a testament to her composure and belief, as she repeatedly overcame deficits and closed out matches against seasoned champions.

### Areas for Improvement: Serve and Net Play

While Fernandez’s groundstrokes are formidable, her serve remains a work in progress. Her first serve typically clocks in around 90–100 mph (145–160 km/h), which is respectable but not elite by WTA standards. Her second serve, however, can be vulnerable, especially against aggressive returners. Improving her serve consistency and adding more variation—such as slice or kick—could help her win more free points and reduce pressure during service games.

Another area that could use refinement is her net play. Fernandez rarely employs serve-and-volley tactics, and her volleys have been noted as needing development. Given her speed and anticipation, she has the potential to become more effective at the net, especially in doubles or when finishing points more efficiently.

### The Road Ahead

Still in her early twenties, Leylah Fernandez has already achieved remarkable milestones, including a Grand Slam final and a Billie Jean King Cup victory for Canada. Her multicultural identity and underdog spirit resonate with fans around the world, making her not just a talented athlete but also an inspiring figure.

With continued work on her serve and net game, Fernandez could evolve into a more complete player capable of contending consistently at the highest levels. Her grit, tactical acumen, and left-handed flair already make her a formidable opponent—now it’s about refining the edges and expanding her arsenal.

In a sport where mental toughness is as crucial as physical prowess, Leylah Fernandez stands out as a player who refuses to be defined by limitations. Whether she’s battling giants on center court or representing her country on the world stage, she brings heart, hustle, and hope to every match. And that, more than anything, is the essence of her game.