“Tennis practice has been the same every day” Leylah Fernandez dismisses putting brands sponsorship ahead of tennis


“Tennis practice has been the same every day” Leylah Fernandez dismisses putting brands sponsorship ahead of tennis

Leylah Annie Fernandez

World No. 28 Leylah Fernandez became one of the biggest marketing prospects in tennis after her heroics at the 2021 US Open. The 19-year old entered the Grand Slam as the World No. 73 and with her emphatic run in New York where she defeated 3 of the Top-5 players including the defending champion Naomi Osaka, Leylah broke into the Top-30 of the rankings on the conclusion of the tournament.

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Leylah’s run was not predicted by anyone given her early days on the Tour but she had been successful on the Junior Tour as well and was a Junior Grand Slam champion winning the junior singles title at the 2019 French Open after having finished as the runner-up in the finals of the junior singles match at the 2019 Australian Open.

While she failed to claim the US Open title this year, she certainly proved her mettle and talent she possesses which attracted big brands and sponsors towards her. The Canadian has not played on the Tour since the US Open and will be in action at the upcoming 2021 Indian Wells. Speaking about the sponsorship work on her media day, Leylah cleared the air about brand work interfering with her practice.

People around me minimize expectations after US Open. Just want to be focused on my tennis path and being ready for the next tournaments. Obviously, I had some sponsor tasks, but tennis practice has been the same every day. I obviously have obligations with sponsors, but my reality remains the field,” said Leylah.

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Leylah Fernandez seeded 23rd at the 2021 Indian Wells

Leylah Annie Fernandez
Leylah Annie Fernandez

Leylah will be back in action at the 2021 Indian Wells Open in California where she will begin her campaign directly in the 2nd round after getting a bye in round 1 due to her seeding. The teenager is seen as a title challenger given her run in New York and will have the eyes of the tennis world on her.

Leylah had become a crowd favourite during the US Open and can expect a similar reception the coming week when she plays in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Also Read: Indian Wells 2021: Women’s Singles Draw Preview and Prediction for BNP Paribas Open