Leylah Fernandez recently celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving, and on the occasion, she penned an emotional message expressing her gratitude for her family and friends, and having the opportunity to chase her dreams of playing tennis for her country. Canada observed Thanksgiving on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Fernandez is currently competing at the 2025 Japan Women’s Open, where she is seeded fourth. She has advanced to the second round after defeating Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 7-5 in the first round, marking their first encounter on the WTA tour.
What Message Did Leylah Fernandez Share on Canadian Thanksgiving?
Recently, Fernandez took to social media to wish everyone well on Canadian Thanksgiving. She expressed her gratitude for having a “great” family and friends. The former World No. 13 also mentioned that she is thankful for being able to do what she loves: playing and representing her country, Canada, in tennis.
“Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family & friends in Canada!! ❤️🇨🇦🍁 Today and everyday I am grateful for such great family and friends, for getting to do what I love & chasing my dreams (and doing it in front of the best fans in the world), for health & happiness, and for getting to represent my country. What are you guys thankful for? ❤️❤️❤️,” Fernandez captioned her Instagram post.
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Before starting her campaign at the 2025 Japan Women’s Open, Fernandez participated in the 2025 China Open, where she was eliminated by Coco Gauff in the third round. The Canadian then competed at the Wuhan Open, losing 6-4, 5-7, 3-6 in the first round to Naomi Osaka.
Following her win over Baptiste in the first round of the 2025 Japan Women’s Open, Fernandez is set to face qualifier Dalma Gálfi in the second round. Gálfi secured her spot in the main draw of the WTA 250 hard court tournament after defeating Kyōka Okamura 6-3, 7-6(7) in the first qualifying round and then getting past Taylor Townsend in a stunning 6-1, 6-3 victory in the second qualifying round.
In the main draw, the Hungarian defeated Alycia Parks 6-4, 6-4 in the first round to advance to the second round, where she will take on Fernandez. This will mark the first time Galfi and Fernandez face each other on the tour, with the 2021 US Open runner-up looking to regain momentum following a series of early exits.
The winner of the second round match between Fernandez and Gálfi at the 2025 Japan Women’s Open will advance to face either seventh seed Ann Li or Rebecca Šramková in the quarterfinals.
