Leylah Fernandez has made her way to Toronto to begin preparations for the Canadian Open following her exit in the second round of the Mubadala DC Open. The 23-year-old player, who was looking to reclaim the title at the WTA 500 competition, started strongly before falling short of advancing further. Now setting her sights on home territory, Fernandez is aiming to make a more impressive showing at the WTA 1000 event.
During her participation in the DC Open, a WTA 500 tournament, Fernandez opened with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 win against Magda Linette. Unfortunately, her run came to an end in the second round, as she lost a tight match to Alexandra Eala with scores of 6-2, 7-6(1). Despite the disappointment, Fernandez is ready to harness the enthusiasm of the home crowd and improve on her earlier achievements at the competition that holds special meaning for her.
Fernandez and Boily at the Blue Jays game
On Saturday, August 1, Fernandez joined her partner, Vincent Boily, at the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays face off against the St. Louis Cardinals. The duo cheered on the team, with Fernandez taking part in the ceremonial first pitch before the game. She expressed that the experience made her feel more anxious than thrilled, although the act itself unfolded smoothly. Afterward, the couple took their seats in the stands and observed the Blue Jays clinch a 5-1 win.
Fernandez has shared how her boyfriend, Vincent Boily, plays a crucial role in making social interactions easier for her. Speaking on Andy Roddick's 'Served' podcast, she recounted an incident during the ESPYs in New York City, where she had the opportunity to meet her hero, Steph Curry, but hesitated due to shyness. She noted that Boily's outgoing personality often takes the initiative, giving her the confidence to join in and engage with others.
Now fully focused on the Canadian Open, Fernandez is getting ready for her first match following a first-round bye. She is set to compete against either Renata Zarazúa or Tamara Korpatsch in the second round of the WTA 1000 event. As the hometown favorite, she is striving to deliver a standout performance on the court and connect with her fans in Toronto.