"I just gotta start winning matches": Fernandez blunt on her current singles predicament, believes form is just around the corner
WTA
Away from the glare of the main courts, Leylah Fernandez just under two years on from the US Open final run has not seen her career develop as hoped.
But is desperate to turn a corner starting at Wimbledon this week, the 20-year-old will face Kateryna Baindl on Monday afternoon and could face Caroline Garcia in the second round with one goal in mind in singles.
"I just gotta start winning matches," Fernandez said bluntly as per The Canadian Press. "It hasn't been the best year. Of course I want better results, I want to win, I want to have my ranking up."
Not putting too much pressure on
She still thinks she is moving in the right direction despite a slide in the rankings and is giving herself time despite it not going right at the moment being still at a young age.
A far cry from her opponent at Flushing Meadows in Emma Raducanu who has seen the spotlight constantly thrust upon her and has battled constant injury issues.
"It's still a development phase for me, I'm still figuring things out, and I think losing matches is a hard part of the game," continued Fernandez.
"I don't think it's going too well, the results speak for themselves," she added. "But every single day in training I've been improving, I've been getting better and that's the most important thing for me."
But in addition, Fernandez has found another outlet for potential success being doubles with Taylor Townsend and she has lauded it for match practice and giving her time on the court while singles doesn't go too well.
"I want to do well in singles like everybody but sometimes that doesn't work out," she said. "Doubles has given me an opportunity to work on my game while in competition and not just in the practice court. Hopefully soon I can translate that into singles."
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
