Wimbledon star Leylah Annie Fernandez asks fans for a date and sets strict demands at next tournament
Leylah Annie Fernandez, the Canadian tennis sensation, has turned heads with a playful yet bold invitation to her fans, asking them to join her on a date during the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal. The 22-year-old, ranked world No. 29, posted a cheeky video on Instagram to her 349,000 followers, announcing her desire for her first-ever date and steering clear of dating apps. “This will be fun, right? This isn’t a joke. I fully intend to go on a date in Montreal, so go ahead and DM me… time to shoot your shot,” she said with a smile, adding a unique twist: “PS: you may have to meet my dad beforehand (good luck with that).”
This lighthearted move comes on the heels of a disappointing Wimbledon 2025, where Fernandez breezed past British wildcard Hannah Klugman 6-1, 6-3 in the first round but suffered a second-round exit to Laura Siegemund in straight sets. Her doubles campaign with Lulu Sun also ended early, losing to the sixth-seeded pair of Demi Schuurs and Asia Muhammad. The invitation reflects her attempt to shift focus to something positive as she enjoys downtime in her hometown before the Mubadala Citi DC Open (July 21–27, 2025), where she aims to rebound on hard courts.
Fernandez’s “strict demands” include the potential meeting with her father, Jorge, a former Ecuadorian footballer and her longtime coach, known for his protective nature. This condition adds a humorous yet firm boundary, aligning with her family-oriented persona, furthered by her Leylah Annie & Family Foundation. Fans have responded with enthusiasm on social platforms, with some joking about surviving the “dad test” while others admire her confidence post-Wimbledon.
As she prepares for Montreal, where the tournament begins post-DC Open, Fernandez hopes to rediscover the form that took her to the 2021 US Open final. Her recent grass-court efforts, including a quarterfinal in Nottingham, suggest potential, but the date offer also signals a desire to connect personally with supporters amid her career’s ups and downs. Whether this turns into a viral moment or a genuine outing, Fernandez’s bold step has certainly captured attention.
