Leylah Fernandez opened up candidly about the grueling tennis calendar after her loss at the Montreal Open, which came just two days after her triumphant title win in Washington, DC. The young Canadian star, known for her grit and resilience, expressed frustration with the tight turnaround that left her little time to recover and prepare properly between high-profile tournaments.
Back-to-Back Tournaments Take a Toll
Fernandez’s remarkable effort to compete deep into consecutive tournaments has earned her praise and attention in the tennis world. However, the demanding schedule also comes with physical and mental challenges.
Key Timeline of Events
July 20, 2025: Fernandez wins the Washington DC WTA title.
July 22, 2025: Begins competition at the Montreal Open.
July 24, 2025: Falls in an early-round match at Montreal, citing fatigue and insufficient recovery.
The narrow gap between the two events meant Fernandez barely had time to rest and recover—highlighting a perennial issue for players on the tour.
Fernandez’s Honest Take on the Schedule
In her post-match interview, Fernandez didn’t hold back:
“Winning in DC was incredible, but coming to Montreal so soon after…it’s really tough physically and mentally. You want to give your best, but the schedule doesn’t always allow it.”
She added that players are often pushed to perform week after week, with little regard for the toll on their bodies:
- Limited recovery time
- Constant travel between cities and countries
- High-pressure environments with little downtime
The Broader Issue: Tennis Calendar Challenges
Fernandez’s comments reflect a growing conversation in professional tennis about the intense scheduling players face, especially during the summer hardcourt season with back-to-back North American tournaments:
High physical demand: Players risk injury and burnout.
Limited rest between events: Sometimes just a day separates competitions.
Impact on performance: Fatigue can affect match quality and career longevity.
What’s Next for Fernandez?
Despite the setback in Montreal, Fernandez remains optimistic. She emphasized the value of learning from these experiences and carving out better strategies for managing her time and health:
- Prioritizing rest and recovery in upcoming weeks
- Working with her team on scheduling smarter tournament play
- Focusing on building resilience for future grueling stretches
Fernandez aims to maintain her upward trajectory on the WTA tour while pushing for balance in the demanding tennis calendar.
FAQs About Leylah Fernandez’s Scheduling Concerns
Q1: Why did Leylah Fernandez find the schedule challenging after her DC win?
A: She had only two days to recover before starting competition in Montreal, limiting rest and preparation.
Q2: How common is it for players to face such tight schedules?
A: It’s quite common, especially during the summer hardcourt swing with consecutive tournaments in North America.
Q3: What impact can this dense scheduling have on players?
A: It can lead to fatigue, reduce performance levels, and increase injury risks.
Q4: Has Fernandez suggested any solutions?
A: She advocates for more player-friendly scheduling that allows adequate recovery time.
Q5: What’s next for Fernandez after Montreal?
A: She plans to rest and recover before selecting upcoming tournaments strategically to maintain her form.
Conclusion
Leylah Fernandez’s candid criticism of the relentless tennis schedule sheds light on a challenge many players face on the WTA tour. Balancing success with recovery in a packed calendar is a persistent struggle. As Fernandez looks ahead, her commitment to managing this balance better shows her determination to grow stronger and compete at the highest levels without compromising her health. Tennis fans will undoubtedly continue to follow her journey closely as she navigates the demanding seasons to come.
