On the first day, there were more than 100 messages," Fernandez reflects on her challenge to find a date during the Montreal tournament
A few days ago, Leylah Fernandez posted a short video on Instagram where she expressed her wish to go on a date during the Montreal tournament.
An unusual request that quickly went viral, and on which she updated Tennis.com:
"There have been a lot of responses. I think on the first day, there were more than 100 messages. My father asked me if I had already been on a date, and I told him no (laughs). I never really had time for that, and no one ever asked me. I don't know why!
He suggested I post a video on Instagram and have a date in Montreal, where I feel at home and comfortable. Obviously, he said: 'But I have to meet him first!' I was 100% okay with that. I got responses from athletes, including some who were at the Olympics with me. They told me: 'I know how you feel' or 'When I was 22, I had never been on a date either'.
At that age, we're studying or competing. Reading these messages reassures me, showing me that I'm not an isolated case. It's cool that we can have these conversations together.
I just want to get to know someone, find out what their hobbies are and what they like. He can also ask me, because I'm not just a tennis player. It's just about having a conversation and seeing if there's mutual interest. I'm going to keep the dating part private so that it's just for the person accompanying me. We'll see!