You Might Not Know Leylah Fernandez Yet—But She’s Breaking Records and Barriers for Latinas in Tennis
When Leylah Fernandez takes the court in Paris or London this spring, she won’t just be competing for Grand Slam titles. She’ll be representing a generation of young Latina athletes who see themselves in her power, precision, and pride.
How Leylah Fernandez’s Culture Shaped Her Game
Before she was a two-time Olympian and the first Latina in 33 years to reach a Grand Slam final, Leylah Fernandez was just a kid in a Spanish-speaking household watching soccer with her family. “Growing up, I spent a lot of time learning more about where my family came from,” Fernandez tells FIERCE. “We were raised in a Spanish-speaking home that was deeply rooted in Latin culture.”
Sports were always part of that rhythm. “Seeing how passionate everyone was about the game made it feel really special,” she says.
Tennis Is Lonely. Family Keeps Leylah Fernandez Grounded
While tennis is famously solitary, Fernandez has never been alone on this journey. Her sister, Bianca, is also a rising tennis star and now plays at UCLA. Their father is her coach. That close-knit support system has helped her keep perspective during the whirlwind of international competition.
“They’ve helped me stay grounded,” she says. “When you’re constantly on the road, it’s easy to lose perspective and feel the pressure to perform, but having that support system has been huge in helping me stay balanced.”
And when she needs comfort? “Home is anywhere I can get my hands on my mom’s homemade Estofado!”
From Paris to Wimbledon, Leylah Fernandez Adapts With Grace
Fernandez is currently gearing up for a packed European schedule, including the Madrid Open, the French Open, and Wimbledon. According to her team, she’s already competed in major events this season, including the Australian Open and the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
As for adapting to different surfaces, Fernandez says people underestimate the physical toll it takes. “On clay, you’re sliding a lot and engaging different muscles compared to grass, where you’ve got to stay really low and compact,” she explains. “The best movers on tour are the ones who can adjust quickly—and that takes a lot of work.”
Mentally, though, she aims to stay consistent: “It’s important to approach each tournament with the same focus and energy.”
Why Representation Drives Leylah Fernandez’s Mission
Since her breakthrough run to the US Open final in 2021, Fernandez has made it clear that being a role model is part of her purpose. “Representation really matters across all communities,” she tells FIERCE. “I’m super proud to be Latina, and through my foundation, I just want to do everything I can to inspire young people who look like me to chase their dreams.”
That drive shows up in every match she plays—and every post she shares.
Off-Court, Leylah Fernandez Is All About the Champions League (and Horseback Rides)
When she’s not practicing her serve or studying her next opponent, Fernandez finds joy in the little things. “Right now, I’m all about the Champions League!” she says. Being in Europe means better time zones to watch the games after training.
But she’s not just glued to the screen. “We actually went horse riding for the first time while I was getting ready for the clay season in Malaga!” she shares. Lately, she’s also been getting into musical theatre.
Leylah Fernandez is already a trailblazer. This season, she’s aiming to add a few more unforgettable chapters to the story she’s writing—on her terms, and in her own words.
