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After her surprise wins over Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber at the US Open, fans are curious to know more about the tennis starlet’s family life. We take a look at her family as some wonder about Leylah Fernandez’ parents.
Who is Leylah Fernandez?
Leylah Fernandez, born 6 September 2002, is an 18-year-old tennis player from Montreal, Canada. Fernandez’s love for sport started even before she became a teenager and, until she chose tennis, the youngster is said to have enjoyed volleyball, football, and track and field.
Fernandez started playing in national tournaments from the age of 12 and went on to play as part of the ITF circuit in 2017.
In 2019, Fernandez went pro and in the same year became the first Canadian female to win a junior Grand Slam since 2012.
During the current 2021 US Open, Fernandez caught the attention of tennis fans as she defeated former US Open champion Naomi Osaka, who won the event in 2018 and 2020.
As if that wasn’t enough, Fernandez went on to beat 2016 champion Angelique Kerber to advance to the quarter-finals.
On the eve of her 19th birthday, Fernandez backed up her win over Naomi Osaka with a 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 victory over Germany’s Kerber yesterday (5 September 2021).
Fernandez will face fifth seed Elina Svitolina for a place in the semi-finals.
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Who are Leylah Fernandez’ parents?
Leylah Fernandez, full name Leylah Annie Fernandez, is the daughter of Irene and Jorge. Not much is known about the tennis player’s mom although her father, Jorge, is a former professional football player.
Jorge is also one of Fernandez’s coaches alongside former French tennis player Romain Deridder.
Fernandez previously opened up about her parents as she credited them for teaching her the value of hard work.
In an interview with Tennis Majors in May, she said: “I am very hard-working. There is no secret to playing tennis, you need to work hard every day.
“I am glad my parents have taught me the value of working hard from a very young age; that it does not matter what I did yesterday, because today is a new day and a new opportunity to do better.”
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Tennis ace’s family life explored
Leylah Fernandez is one of three children and is the middle child with younger sister Bianca and older sister Jodeci. Bianca, who is 17, is also a tennis player while Jodeci, who lives in Vermont, likes to keep away from the spotlight.
Earlier this year, the tennis player paid tribute to her sisters and mother in celebration of International Women’s Day with her 26,100 followers on Instagram.
She wrote: “Happy #internationalwomensday!! Today, I had to take a minute to celebrate the three women who have made the biggest impact on my life, my incredible sisters @biancajolietennis & Jodeci, and my amazing mami!
“My traveling schedule doesn’t always make it easy for us to be together but they are always in my heart no matter where I am! I love you girls!!”
