When fans heard Leylah Fernandez say the words, “In Montreal, I would like to go on a date,” in a video posted to her Instagram account, many assumed she was joking. But she wasn’t. The Canadian tennis star has openly invited someone to go on a date with her during the National Bank Open (formerly Rogers Cup).
“DM Me”— But Meet the Dad First
“Hey guys, you know what I really want to do that I haven’t done? Go on a date,” she said in the video. “I’m not a big fan of dating apps, so I’m actually going to do things my own way. I’m going to go on one date for one hour in Montreal. If you want to be my date, DM me. Let me know about yourself. Yeah… see you there.”
In the caption, Fernandez added: “This will be fun, right? This isn’t a joke. I fully intend to go on a date in Montreal, so go ahead and DM me… time to shoot your shot. PS: you may have to meet my dad beforehand (good luck with that).”
That might be the hardest part, as her father Jorge–who also serves as her coach–would likely want someone truly special for his daughter.
From Grand Slam Finalist to Struggling for Form
Fernandez’s career hasn’t quite soared the way many expected after her stunning run to the 2021 US Open final, where she lost to Emma Raducanu. Since then, she’s claimed just two WTA titles–Monterrey and Hong Kong–out of three finals, and in Grand Slams she has only once gone beyond the fourth round (quarterfinals at the 2022 French Open).
She has never broken into the top 10; her career-high ranking remains No. 13, achieved in August 2022.
Despite her ups and downs on court, Fernandez led Canada to a historic victory at the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup and launched her own foundation–proving she’s evolving beyond just tennis.
But 2025 has been far from ideal as she’s fallen out of the top 30. Maybe what she needs right now is some good company–and that Montreal date might just provide the reset she’s looking for.
Déjà Vu? Bouchard’s Viral Date Moment
There seems to be “something in the water” when it comes to Canadian tennis players and headline-grabbing dates. A few years ago, fellow Canadian Eugenie Bouchard went viral for a Super Bowl-related encounter.
During Super Bowl LI in 2017, with the Atlanta Falcons leading 28-3, Bouchard tweeted: “I knew Atlanta would win btw.” A fan replied: “If the Patriots win, we go on a date?” and she boldly responded: “Sure.”
if patriots win we go on a date?
— TW1 (@punslayintwoods) February 6, 2017
When the Patriots pulled off a historic 34–28 comeback, Bouchard kept her word. She reached out to the fan, asked “Where do you live?” and later posted a photo from their date–which quickly went viral. It’s unlikely the same kind of spectacle will happen with Fernandez but tennis fans love a good story. So, never say never.
Just met my 'Super Bowl Twitter Date' John 😊 On our way to the @BrooklynNets game! @punslayintwoods pic.twitter.com/DHRgY46smd
— Genie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) February 16, 2017
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
