The first Wednesday of February carries special significance in sport: National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a moment dedicated to celebrating female athletes and encouraging the next generation. Leylah Fernandez used the occasion to deliver a heartfelt and motivating message on Instagram.
The day serves as a reminder of the growing presence of women across all levels of sport, highlighting achievement, visibility, and the importance of equal respect. Fernandez embraced that message fully, addressing young girls who are watching, playing, or just beginning to believe they belong.
“To every girl watching, playing, or just starting to believe she belongs here… you do!! Women’s sports deserve the spotlight, the respect, and the future we’re building together,” Fernandez wrote.
“I wouldn’t be here without the women who came before me and the girls dreaming alongside me. Today we celebrate strength, resilience, and believing in ourselves — on and off the court.”
A Role Model Shaped By Opportunity and Belief
At just 23, Fernandez already understands the impact of representation. Her breakthrough came at the 2021 US Open, where she reached the final at 19, capturing global attention with her fearless run in New York. Since then, she has continued to evolve, collecting five career titles, including late-season triumphs at the DC Open and Pan Pacific Open in 2025.
Fernandez stands among a generation of WTA players driving the sport forward. Women’s tennis continues to attract a broad global audience, showcased most recently at the Australian Open, where Elena Rybakina claimed the title after a high-quality final against World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Alongside stars such as Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Mirra Andreeva, the women’s game blends elite performance with youth, ambition, and visibility — a combination that continues to inspire participation worldwide.
In Canada, Fernandez remains a central figure, even as Victoria Mboko’s rapid rise has added depth to the nation’s presence at the top of the game. Fernandez’s post also reflected the importance of community, featuring images with teammates and moments from Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup triumph in 2023 — one of the defining achievements of her career so far.