Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez took to Instagram to celebrate her father and longtime supporter, Jorge Fernandez, with a touching birthday message.
“Happy birthday to the person who supports me the most, who makes me laugh the most, who believes in me more than anyone else, who supports me at all times, who helps me achieve all my dreams… and much more. I love you daddyyyyyy 🥰,” Leylah wrote, in a post originally shared in Spanish.
The 2021 US Open finalist has often spoken about her close relationship with her father, who has also served as her coach and mental mentor throughout her career.
In a previous interview during the Miami Open 2025, Fernandez emphasized the importance of mental strength in tennis and credited her father’s influence:
“For me, the mental to the physical is three to one. Mental is extremely important,” she told reporters. “I’m very grateful my parents, especially my dad, have reinforced that.”
“He hasn’t really taught me about tennis technique but more about the mental side of the sport,” she added. “It’s hard—you’re alone out there on court. Most of the time your coach can’t even talk to you.”
Leylah’s heartfelt message and gratitude highlight the key role Jorge has played in shaping not only her tennis game, but also her resilience and mindset on the court.
