"Getting to the end of any tournament isn't easy": Leylah Fernandez admits playing on tour takes its toll after Roland Garros final loss

Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez may have fallen short in her quest to capture the Roland Garros (French Open) doubles title alongside Taylor Townsend, but she admits that it has been a rewarding experience.

Fernandez and Townsend fell in thee sets to the duo of Su-wei Hsieh and Wang Xinyu, despite hitting more winners and winning more points than their opponents. Following the loss, Fernandez took to social media to express her thoughts on the mental and physical toll of going all the way in a Grand Slam tournament.

"What a journey. Doubles have been such a learning and rewarding adventure. Applying skills in a team environment and building trust within a partnership. It’s a beautiful game. Getting to the end of any tournament, singles or doubles, isn't easy," wrote Fernandez.

"It takes resilience in the face of both physical and mental adversity. Being on tour comes with sacrifices; I’ve been homesick while away from my mom and family, and Taylor is away from her son, but to get this far means the world."

The 2021 US Open runner-up said she left Paris with more motivation and hunger to succeed in the singles game and is looking forward to competing in the grass season.

"I am leaving Paris motivated, hungry, and ready to work extra for the singles title," she added. "Next stop, grass season."