At 23, Leylah Annie Fernandez stands at the crossroads of greatness, passion, and purpose. She represents what it means to be young, fearless, and proudly Latina in the world of global sports. If one thing can describe Leylah, it’s that she is full of class and charisma. Behind her humble attitude is a fierce athlete who is building a lasting legacy in a sport. She plays for her dreams and for every girl who dares to dream like her.
"My Ecuadorian roots and culture are a big part of what I do, how I train, compete and view the world. I am extremely proud to represent Latinas in sports and showcase what we are capable of doing.
© Getty Images for ITFBorn in Montreal to a Filipino-Canadian mother and an Ecuadorian father, Leylah’s story is built on hard work and pride. Her father, Jorge Fernandez, a former soccer player turned coach, taught her discipline and mental toughness from a young age. Those lessons carried her from local courts to the world stage, where she became a breakout star at the 2021 US Open. Her run to the final captured the world’s attention and proved that heart and belief can be just as powerful as talent.
© Getty ImagesNow in 2025, Leylah is no longer the teenage sensation the world first met when she was the runner-up at the US Open. She has grown into a confident athlete and a strong voice for the next generation.
In August, Leylah captured her fourth WTA singles title at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. The WTA 500 victory was her first title of the year and a major boost to her ranking, putting her back in the spotlight after a challenging season. In her victory speech, Leylah dedicated the win to her family and team, saying her perseverance and drive come from her heritage. “Every time I step on the court, I carry my family, my roots, and everyone who believes in me,” she said. “This win is for them.”
© Getty ImagesAt the 2025 US Open, Leylah made history by teaming up with tennis legend Venus Williams in doubles. It was the first time Venus had ever played alongside Leylah, stepping in for her sister Serena.
Leylah was praised by Venus after their first win. Venus called her “the best partner I’ve ever played with, outside of Serena.”
"Venus, she reminded me that tennis is a privilege, that tennis is a sport where you have fun, you get down and you get back up, and you're still laughing if you lose a point or when you win the point, and you kind of just compete that way."
© Getty ImagesShe supports youth programs that create opportunities for girls in sports, especially those from underrepresented communities. “Tennis taught me how to fight,” she has said. “But my heritage taught me why I fight.”
Off the court, Leylah carries the same energy and style she shows in every match. Whether she’s at a fashion event or leading a campaign, she does it with authenticity and quiet confidence. Her natural charisma attracts brands, while her humility draws fans.
