"My first season in college tennis had ups and downs... it's a different beast" - Leylah Fernandez's sister Bianca on her maiden year as a UCLA Bruin

Leylah Fernandez's sister Bianca recently reflected on her maiden season in the UCLA women's tennis team. The 20-year-old also spoke at length about how college tennis is tougher than tour-level tennis in multiple ways.

Bianca has previously played on the WTA Tour as well. She made her main-draw debut on the tour in the doubles draw of the 2022 Monterrey Open, where she paired up with her sister and 2021 US Open finalist Leylah. However, Bianca's tour debut didn't go so well, as the sisters were bundled out in the first round. Her first win came alongside her sister at the 2022 Canadian Open. Bianca has also been featured at multiple ITF events.

Recently, the 20-year-old was featured as a guest on the Match Point Canada podcast, where she was asked about the experience she gained in her first season as a UCLA Bruin. Bianca confessed to having an up-and-down season, despite being named the ITA Rookie of the Year. However, she said that there were more positives than negatives.

"My first season, I would definitely say, had ups and downs, but more positive than negative. My first year playing in college tennis was definitely a little tougher. I wasn't used to the new rules, to the different aspects of the game. Like the coach just said, it's a different beast altogether. And it helped me learn as much as I can, and I'm ready for next year," Bianca said. (8:25)

The 20-year-old went on to talk about how college tennis varies from tour-level events. She said that college tennis has much rowdier crowds and features a greater involvement from players' coaches.

"There will be noise, there will be hecklers. It's not the same as the ITF tournaments where a ref will say, 'Please, don't talk'. There's no 'quiet please'. Don't call the players by their names; that's the only rule. So, there have been some moments where the crowd has been rough, and on the court, you're facing your opponent and the coach. So instead of switching up their game, let's say, after the first set, you could be already starting the match, two points pass, and the coach will be on the court telling them what to do," Bianca added.

Leylah Fernandez's sister Bianca on "toughest thing" for 2021 US Open finalist

Leylah Fernandez at 2024 Rothesay Classic Birmingham

Bianca also spoke about how things have changed between her and sister Leylah after the commencement of the former's college tennis career. According to the 20-year-old, it has been much harder for Leylah to adapt to the new reality.

"I think the distance wasn't as tough as one would have thought because we are used to it. Leylah [Fernandez] always traveled before but I was always home, so I think the toughest thing was actually to my sister, who used to come home and I was there with open arms and now I am at school," Bianca said. (17:07)

Leylah Fernandez is currently vying for the 2024 Birmingham Classic title. She has reached the quarterfinals of the WTA 250 event after defeating Sara Sorribes Tormo and Viktorija Golubic. The Canadian Billie Jean King Cup winner will take on Ajla Tomljanovic next on Friday, June 21.