From being a promising talent to reaching the finals of the US Open in 2021 and winning the Billie Jean King Cup for Canada in 2023, Leylah Annie Fernandez has fulfilled all her promises to her fans. Now, she has become a potential Grand Slam contender for 2024. But from whom does this young, talented player draw inspiration?

The 21-year-old Canadian tennis player had earlier revealed that she draws inspiration from the 41-year-old Belgian former No. 1, Justine Henin. Henin has won 7 Grand Slam titles and was at the top of the women’s singles ranking for 117 weeks. In 2016, she became the first Belgian tennis player inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Now, she is at the heart of one of the rising stars in women’s tennis. Fernandez looks to follow in the footsteps of her idol. 

Leylah Fernandez reveals the player from the past she wishes she could’ve played on tour

Leylah Fernandez had earlier revealed that she didn’t know about Justine Henin until a coach told her about the Belgian. Like Henin, Fernandez isn’t among the taller players on the tour. Both are 5 feet 6 inches tall. Fernandez’s coach had told her earlier that her height and playing style were similar to the former No. 1.

Recently, while traveling on the train, she had a quick Q&A session with her fans on Instagram. During the session, she faced several questions. One of the fans asked her to mention the name of a retired WTA player(s) she would love to play. To this, Leylah Fernandez replied by taking Justine Henin’s name. Surprisingly, Leylah Fernandez never saw the Belgian play. She was born in 2002 when Henin won the titles in Linz & Berlin.

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In 2002, Henin even finished the year in the Top 10 for the second time in her career. She is widely regarded as one of the GOATs in women’s tennis. Leylah Fernandez is still quite young in tennis and has many years ahead of her. But she has already started to put her name on the bigger stages of the game.

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Fernandez led Canada to a remarkable milestone in Seville

Leylah Fernandez played a crucial role in Canada’s triumph over 12 participating nations at the BJK Cup Finals in Seville from November 7-12. With this victory, Canada has become the reigning champions of premier international men’s and women’s team tournaments that ITF runs. What a moment for the tennis fans in the Land of Maple Leaf.

Fernandez, the pride of Canadian tennis, played a key role in snatching the victory against the 11-time champions, Czech Republic, in the semifinals. After turning pro in 2019, the former world No. 13 wants to make it to the Top 10 in her 5th full year at the WTA. With the Paris Olympics knocking at the door, can the youngster help Canada win another medal in the mega event next year?

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