Leylah Fernandez Reflects on Disappointing Canada Open Exit: “I Was Not There Mentally and Also Physically”
Leylah Fernandez, one of Canada’s rising tennis stars, faced a challenging and emotional defeat at her home tournament, the Canada Open (previously known as the Rogers Cup). The loss left Fernandez feeling disappointed, both in her performance and in the expectations she placed on herself as she battled on home soil. Despite showing flashes of her immense talent, Fernandez struggled to find her rhythm, exiting earlier than anticipated.
In a candid post-match interview, the 21-year-old tennis prodigy admitted that she was not at her best during the match. “I was not there mentally and also physically,” Fernandez confessed. Her honesty revealed the immense pressure she faces, especially when competing in front of a supportive home crowd eager to see her succeed.
The Weight of Expectations
Since her breakout performance at the 2021 US Open, where she reached the final as an unseeded teenager, Fernandez has been under a bright spotlight. Her tenacity, on-court intelligence, and fighting spirit earned her a place among the sport’s most promising young talents. However, with that recognition comes increased pressure—something that can be particularly heavy when performing in front of a home audience.
The Canada Open has historically been a significant tournament for Canadian tennis players, and Fernandez felt the weight of those expectations. “I wanted to do so well here in front of my family, my friends, and all the fans,” she said. “But sometimes your body just doesn’t respond the way you want it to, and that’s frustrating.”
Mental and Physical Hurdles
Tennis is not only a physical battle but also a mental game. Fernandez’s admission that she wasn’t there mentally speaks volumes about the difficulties athletes face in managing the demands of elite competition. After a grueling season that includes constant travel, training, and back-to-back tournaments, it’s not uncommon for athletes to feel worn down both physically and emotionally.
“Physically, I tried to push through, but it just wasn’t enough,” she said. “I was fighting my own body out there.”
Her frustration is understandable, especially given her fighting spirit on the court. Fernandez is known for her never-give-up attitude, but the challenges of sustaining peak performance across multiple tournaments are immense. As an emerging star, she is learning to navigate the complexities of balancing physical conditioning, mental toughness, and the inevitable fatigue that comes with the tour.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment, Fernandez remains optimistic about the future. While the loss in Canada stings, she is determined to use it as a learning experience. “I’ll take this as a lesson. I know I need to work on certain things, both mentally and physically, and I’ll come back stronger.”
Fans can rest assured that this is just a bump in the road for Fernandez. With her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and supportive team, she’s bound to bounce back. As the tennis season continues, Fernandez’s focus will undoubtedly shift to the upcoming major tournaments, where she will aim to regain her form and confidence.
“These are the moments that shape you as an athlete,” she reflected. “It’s all about growth, and I’m ready to keep growing.”
Conclusion
Leylah Fernandez’s candid reflections after her Canada Open loss provide a glimpse into the mental and physical challenges of life on the tennis tour. Her openness about not being at her best shows the resilience it takes to compete at the highest level. While this loss is a setback, Fernandez’s determination to improve and come back stronger underscores her maturity and hunger for success. At just 21, her best tennis is undoubtedly still ahead.