Fernandez opens up about balancing school and tennis

18-years-old Leylah Fernandez showed her great potential in the 2020 season and now she opened up for BehindTheRacquet.com about her beginnings and keeping up with school while competing on Tour.

The young Canadian is currently ranked as no. 88 in the WTA Rankings, however, she showed a great potential on the Tour. Fernandez reached the final in Acapulco and she was a big threat for her opponents on any surface. Now, she opened up about her first days with tennis, when she said:

“I started playing tennis on a recreational level. At age 10, I decided to compete and become a professional. My dad was my coach but is new to the tennis world since he was a soccer player. My dad surrounded us with other coaches who understood our philosophy, style and game. I never felt pressure from my dad to play sports or do anything in life. He gave me the green light to make my own decisions and introduced me to many different activities. I played baseball, soccer, volleyball and ran track. However I loved tennis and once I realized there were Junior Grand Slams, I set a goal to win one. Last year, I reached the Junior Australian Open final and was disappointed to lose. A few months later, I won the Junior French Open and became the first Canadian player in seven years to capture a Junior Grand Slam. This year, I started playing on the WTA Tour. "
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"It is difficult to balance tennis, school, and friends. When I started playing tennis, I was in regular school. I had friends and teachers who supported me but I constantly traveled to compete. I missed moments in my friends’ lives so it was hard to reconnect when I returned. I put my dream first and we had disagreements. I realized I wanted to play tennis full-time. My friends are now acquaintances but my family is always by my side. My two sisters are my best friends. They keep me going on the court and encourage me to achieve more in the sport," Fernandez said.
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"I want to graduate from University and earn a college degree. I’m currently attending the online program of Indiana University East. After tennis, I want to be involved in different business ventures and be able to help businesses succeed. I hope to inspire young Canadian players and show them we can become professionals in tennis and the business world.”⁣