LONDON — Rising tennis star Leylah Fernandez has made headlines at Wimbledon by playfully asking fans to DM her for a potential date—but with a catch. The Canadian athlete, known for her fiery on-court performances, set strict demands for anyone hoping to catch her attention at the next tournament.
Fernandez’s Unconventional Fan Engagement
After a thrilling match at the All England Club, Fernandez took to social media with a lighthearted yet bold request. "If you want to take me on a date, slide into my DMs," she posted, sparking a frenzy among her followers. The 21-year-old, who reached the US Open final in 2021, clarified that she wasn’t joking—but laid out specific conditions for potential suitors.
Fernandez’s demands include:
- Must love tennis: "No bandwagon fans," she quipped. "If you don’t know the difference between a forehand and a backhand, it’s a no."
- Respect her schedule: "I’m here to win, so don’t distract me during tournaments."
- Be ready for competition: "Challenge me in something—ping pong, chess, even cooking. I don’t like easy wins."
The Backstory Behind the Post
Fernandez later explained her playful post in a press conference. "Tennis is my passion, but I also want to connect with fans in a fun way," she said. "If someone’s brave enough to DM me, they better bring their A-game." The post quickly went viral, with fellow players like Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu joining in on the banter.
Fan Reactions and Responses
Social media erupted with reactions, from humorous memes to genuine attempts at wooing the star. One fan tweeted, "Leylah, I’ll learn tennis just for you—even if it takes me 10 years." Another joked, "Plot twist: This was just her strategy to get more Instagram followers."
Fernandez, however, remained unfazed. "I’m serious about my standards," she laughed. "If you can’t handle my intensity on and off the court, this won’t work."
What’s Next for Fernandez?
With Wimbledon still in full swing, Fernandez’s focus remains on her matches. But her playful antics have added a refreshing twist to the tournament. "Tennis should be fun," she said. "If I can make people smile while chasing my dreams, that’s a win for me."
Whether anyone meets her strict dating criteria remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: Fernandez knows how to keep fans entertained, both on and off the court.