MusaCanadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez didn’t hold back after her early exit from the National Bank Open in Toronto. The 21-year-old fan favorite lost in straight sets to Danielle Collins, and while she gave credit to her opponent, she also took a moment to call out something many players have quietly complained about — the tournament schedule.
After her match, Leylah spoke honestly about how difficult it’s been to adjust to back-to-back tournaments and late-night matches. She said that the schedule didn’t give her enough recovery time and left her feeling physically and mentally drained. “I love playing in Canada and representing my country,” she said, “but it’s hard to be at your best when your body isn’t getting the rest it needs.”
Leylah’s comments have sparked a lot of conversation in the tennis world. Many fans and fellow players agree that the tight scheduling at major tournaments can lead to burnout and increase the risk of injury. Others believe that speaking up like this is important to push for changes that protect players’ health.
Despite the loss, Leylah stayed positive and showed her usual fighting spirit. She thanked the Canadian crowd for their support and promised to come back stronger. “This isn’t the end — it’s just part of the journey,” she said with a smile. “I’m learning, growing, and I’ll be back.”
Her honesty and openness have only made fans love her more. Leylah has always been known for her fiery energy on the court and her kind heart off it. And now, by standing up for herself and others, she’s showing leadership that goes beyond just winning matches.
For young athletes and tennis lovers watching around the world, Leylah’s message is clear: it’s okay to speak up, and taking care of your well-being matters — even in the middle of intense competition.
As the tennis season continues, all eyes will be on how the WTA responds to growing concerns about player schedules. And one thing’s for sure — Leylah Fernandez’s voice just made that conversation louder.
Musa
dam
