Leylah Fernandez had some great advice for a little girl whose dream is to become a professional tennis player just like her. The 19-year-old, who is ranked 22nd in the world, took the time to advise the girl to enjoy the process and remember school is important too.
Fernandez, who is already one of the WTA’s most recognizable players after reaching the US Open final last year, and who has steadily raised both her game and her profile since turning pro, with multiple sponsorship deals and a steady climb in the WTA rankings, sounded like she had her priorities in order.
“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself, you don’t need to do everything perfectly,” is, after all, great advice for someone who wants to go into tennis, but also great advice for absolutely everyone, no matter what they choose to do with life. And it’s hopefully the kind of advice Fernandez will remember to take herself, particularly as she gets bigger and busier, both in the sport and out of it.
But Fernandez didn’t stop there, adding that the girl should remember to have fun too, something we all could use a reminder of occasionally, even when we’re doing the things we love. And as for school, Fernandez was clear on how important it was to not abandon it. “You will need it, even after tennis,” she advised.
Leylah Fernandez will next play at the Miami Open, with her first game scheduled for Friday, March 25th.
