Leylah Fernandez opens up about dealing with online hate

Leylah Fernandez recently opened up about dealing with online abuse during an interaction with tennis fans on social media.

Leylah Fernandez became an overnight sensation after her glorious runner-up finish at the 2021 US Open. The young Canadian defeated the likes of Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber, Elina Svitolina, and Aryna Sabalenka en route to her maiden Grand Slam final.

However, Fernandez has been unable to maintain her dominance on tour ever since and has been subjected to online criticism due to rising expectations.

When asked how she deals with the abuse she faces on social media, Leylah Fernandez stated that she is unbothered by people’s opinions, since they are generally unaware of all the hard work that goes in. She remarked that she instead focuses on her loved ones’ affection.

“I try to ignore them. The people who send those messages don’t know how hard I work. And I don’t really care. I know I have people around me who care and love me, that’s the most important,” Fernandez said.

Speaking about how she deals with early losses, the Canadian noted that she gets back up, trains harder, and keeps believing in herself and her team.

“I trust in myself and on my team. I get back to practice and train harder,” she noted.

The 20-year-old also stated that, alongside her career as a tennis player, she is also a student. Fernandez has been taking business classes at an online university.

“Yes I am! I’m taking online university classes. I study business,” she said.

When a fan asked about her relationship status, Leylah Fernandez disclosed that she hasn’t been in a relationship, given her commitment to tennis.

“Getting asked this a lot… I’m in a relationship with tennis,” she declared.

Fernandez on Instagram

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Leylah Fernandez’s 2023 season so far

Leylah Fernandez at the recently concluded Charleston Open

Leylah Fernandez has collected two WTA titles in her young career – both at the Monterrey Open in 2021 and 2022. In the ongoing season, however, the Canadian is yet to lift a title and has witnessed a series of early exits. Her best singles result so far has come at the 2023 ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, where she reached the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, in the doubles category, Fernandez has notched up some noteworthy wins. She has been the runner-up at the ASB Classic as well as the Miami Open, alongside Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Taylor Townsend, respectively.

The World No. 50, who last competed at the Charleston Open, will now be seen representing Canada in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. The Canadian team will take on Belgium between April 14-15 in Vancouver.