Leylah Fernandez Overcomes Challenges Ahead of National Bank Open 2025

Montreal, Canada – Leylah Annie Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian tennis player, is gearing up for the National Bank Open after recently breaking an 18-month title drought. Following her victory in Washington, Fernandez expressed candidly about the struggles she faced in the first half of 2025, stating, 'It’s been pretty s**t, to be honest.'

Fernandez secured her title at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., where she showcased her talent by defeating Anna Kalinskaya in the final and overcoming the formidable former Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina, in the semifinals. These victories were a significant boost for Fernandez, who had previously experienced a challenging season marked by multiple losing streaks. In her own words, she reflected on her performance, saying, 'The first half of the season was filled with highs and lows, more lows.'

After returning to her hometown of Montreal, Fernandez shared her excitement about competing in front of a local crowd. 'The welcome was 100 percent. A lot of love for me and my family,' she remarked. As she prepares for her first-round match against Australian teen Maya Joint, Fernandez is focused on maintaining her momentum.

The athlete highlighted the importance of a supportive environment, crediting her team and fellow Canadian players for creating a positive atmosphere during her training. 'It started with just a good environment, good vibes with the team members,' she explained.

However, the journey has not been without personal challenges. Fernandez disclosed that her family faced health issues, which added emotional stress during her matches. 'We had some surprises, not good surprises, some visits to the hospital,' she revealed. Despite these difficulties, she stated that the experience helped her learn to manage her emotions better on and off the court.

In response to her earlier struggles, Fernandez and her coaching team decided to adjust her training regimen post-Wimbledon. She trained slightly less to rediscover her love for the game, a decision that appears to have paid off with her recent success. As she heads into the National Bank Open, she remains optimistic about her performance.

With the tournament set to run from July 26 to August 7, 2025, Fernandez is determined to continue her upward trajectory, stating, 'Hopefully, it continues for Montreal.' This optimistic outlook is not just about winning; it symbolizes her resilience and commitment to overcoming hurdles within her career and personal life.

As the National Bank Open kicks off, tennis enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Fernandez can maintain her newfound success and continue to rise through the ranks of professional tennis.