Leylah Fernandez Representing Canada’s National Team at Paris Olympics
Professional tennis player Leylah Fernandez has been selected to join the Canada national team at the upcoming Paris Olympics, marking her second appearance representing her home country at the prestigious event. The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, in France.
Fernandez’ selection to the Olympics is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. As one of the rising stars in tennis, the Canadian-born athlete with Ecuadorian/Filipino roots, who currently resides in Miami, Florida, has consistently demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level and has garnered attention for her impressive performances on the court.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to represent Canada once again at the Olympics,” Fernandez expressed. “Becoming an Olympian and doing what you love is a dream come true, and further proof that with hard work and determination anything is possible.”
At just 21 years old, Fernandez’ outstanding accomplishments include being crowned champion at renowned tournaments such as the Monterrey Open and the Hong Kong Open. Additionally, she reached the finals at the US Open, as well as the French Open and the Miami Open doubles.
Fernandez’ inclusion in the Canada national team further solidifies her status as a key player in the sport. Her remarkable journey and achievements at such a young age have captivated fans and experts alike, earning her widespread recognition and inspiring young women.
ABOUT Leylah
Leylah Annie Fernandez captivates with her extreme talent on the court, which has led her to be recognized as one of the most successful tennis players in the world. In fact, she is the second Latina in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. But, in addition, this great athlete also stands out for her grace, resilience, authenticity and joy.
Leylah was born on September 6th, 2002, in Montreal, Canada into a multicultural family. For her, family is at her core and an important part of her professional success. Her father, who is also her coach, is Ecuadorian, her mother is Filipino-Canadian, and her paternal grandfather is Peruvian. Leylah is fluent in English, French and Spanish.
Leylah began playing tennis at the age of five and competing at the age of 10. In 2019, as an amateur, she won the Roland-Garros Juniors girls’ singles event, reaching the world No. 1 junior ranking at just 16 years old. Leylah turned professional only a few months later.
At the age of 18, Leylah won her first WTA title at the Monterrey Open and the following year, retained the championship, winning back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. By the age of 19, Leylah was ranked as high as No. 13 in the world. Leylah made her run at the 2021 US Open with great success, reaching the finals and defeating four top seeds, including two former world No. 1’s and multi-Grand Slam champions, Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka. She also reached the quarterfinals at the 2022 French Open, defeating world No. 5 Belinda Bencic.
In 2023, she was crowned champion of the Hong Kong Open and was a finalist in doubles (with partner Taylor Townsend) at the French Open and Miami Open. She reached the second round of women’s singles in her Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.
