Leylah Fernandez is shining on the US Open stage again.
Four years after a thrilling singles run that captivated the hearts of sports fans worldwide, Fernandez is starring in women’s doubles alongside a legend of the game in Venus Williams.
Despite her familiarity with the stage, Fernandez is still relatively new to the scene, especially in comparison to her doubles partner. In addition to being half Williams’ age, Fernandez is noticeably shorter than her doubles partner, but the pairing has still proved to be perfectly balanced.
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As she looks to capture a major doubles title alongside Williams, learn more about Fernandez and her journey up to this point.
Who is Leylah Fernandez?
Fernandez is a Canadian professional tennis player. She hails from Montreal, Quebec, and is of Ecuadorian and Filipino-Canadian descent. Fernandez speaks fluent English, Spanish, and French.
Fernandez ascended to stardom at the junior level, reaching the 2019 Australian Open girls’ final in January and winning the junior French Open in June. She was ranked first in the world junior ranking when she turned pro, making her professional debut weeks before celebrating her 17th birthday in September 2019.
In 2021, Fernandez became more of a household name after a thrilling run at the 2021 US Open. She became the third woman to defeat three of the top five seeds at the tournament to advance to the final, where she lost in straight sets.
Despite coming up short, Fernandez had signaled her arrival, captivating the world of tennis and earning the support of her country. In 2021, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash was among Fernandez’s supporters at the US Open, and she credited the Hall of Famer’s career as an inspiration to work hard.
Fernandez has yet to capture a grand slam title in singles or doubles, as she also came up short in the 2023 French Open doubles final. Overall, she has won four WTA singles tournament victories, but is still in search of her first doubles title.
MORE: Who are the highest ranked women’s tennis players?
How old is Leylah Fernandez?
Fernandez is 22 years old. She was born on Sept. 6, 2002, and will turn 23 one day after the women’s doubles final at the 2025 US Open.
How old is Venus Williams?
Williams is 45 years old. She was born on June 17, 1980.
Williams returned from a one-year hiatus to resume playing in 2025 and has been a professional for over 30 years. In July, she became the second-oldest player to win a WTA-level singles match.
MORE: Where Venus Williams ranked among oldest US Open participants in history
Leylah Fernandez height
Fernandez is 5-6, which is slightly below the average height of players in the WTA.
Venus Williams height
Williams is 6-1, making her one of the tallest women to star in the sport.
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