Every tennis player is forced to face countless obstacles before finally entering the world of the greats. Work, sacrifices, distancing from family and friends, financial difficulties.
These are just a few of the challenges an athlete encounters on their way. The blog Behind The Racquet, created by Noah Rubin, offers players the opportunity to speak week after week. This time it was Leylah Annie Fernández’s turn to talk about her life on and off the field.
The young Canadian tennis player currently occupies position 88 in the WTA rankings and won her first final on the big circuit this year in Acapulco.
Fernández talks to Behind The Racquet
“I started playing tennis at the recreational level.
At 10, I decided to compete and turn pro. My father was my coach, but he was new to the world of tennis as a footballer. He surrounded me with other coaches who understood our philosophy, our style and our game.
He never pressured me to play sports or do anything in life. It left me free to make my own decisions and allowed me to try many different activities and sports. I played baseball, soccer, volleyball, and ran on a track.
But I loved tennis, and once I found out there were junior Grand Slams, I made it my goal to win one. Last year I reached the final of the junior Australian Open and I was very disappointed in the loss.
A few months later, I won junior Roland Garros and became the first Canadian player in seven years to win a junior Grand Slam. This year I started playing on the WTA Tour, it is difficult to find a balance between tennis, school and friends.
When I started playing tennis, I went to a regular school. I had friends and teachers who supported me, but I was constantly traveling to participate in tournaments. I missed moments in the lives of my friends, so it was difficult to reconnect with them when I returned.
I put my dream first and realized that I wanted to play tennis full time. My friends are now known, but my family is always by my side. My two sisters are my best friends. They keep me on the court and encourage me to achieve more in this sport.
I want to graduate. I am currently attending the Indiana University East online program. After tennis, I want to be involved in various business projects and be able to help companies succeed.
I hope to inspire young Canadian players and show them that we can become tennis and business professionals. ”
