Leylah Fernandez Reflects on Unconventional Queen’s Club Experience After Runner-Up Finish

London, United Kingdom – Leylah Fernandez, the Canadian tennis sensation, has had a rather unconventional beginning to her grass court season. Competing at the WTA 500 event held at Queen’s Club, Fernandez faced an early exit in singles but found herself in the doubles final alongside her partner, Laura Siegemund from Germany.

Fernandez, who was seeded sixth in the singles draw, encountered a tough challenge in the first round against local favorite Katie Boulter. After winning the first set, Fernandez ultimately fell to Boulter with a score of 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-5. However, her tournament was far from over as she teamed up with Siegemund for the doubles event, marking their inaugural partnership.

The duo kicked off their doubles journey with a thrilling victory over Alexandra Panova and Demi Shuurs, managing to save a match point during their 6-2, 2-6, (11-9) win on June 9. In an unexpected twist, they received a bye to the semifinals after their scheduled opponents, Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko, withdrew due to injury.

As they prepared to face the American team of Iva Jovic and McCartney Kessler, rain delays led to further complications. Jovic had to withdraw from the doubles semifinal after suffering a left foot injury, which allowed Fernandez and Siegemund to advance to the final without having to compete.

Looking back on her unusual week, Fernandez shared her thoughts on Instagram, humorously noting, “Grass season has officially started. Honored to play at Queens (just a little).” She added a light-hearted nod to the FIFA World Cup, saying she was “feeling ready to play on grass… and no, not the World Cup.” Ultimately, the pair lost the final to Tereza Mihalíková and Olivia Nicholls, with scores of 6-3, 6-7(4), (10-5). After the match, Fernandez expressed gratitude to Siegemund and the fans for their support throughout the tournament.

Looking ahead, Fernandez is set to compete at the WTA 250 Nottingham Open, where she is the second seed in singles and will face Zeynep Sönmez on June 16. In doubles, she will partner with Yuliia Starodubtseva against Eri Hozumi and Wu Fang-Hsein in the Round of 16.