What can be more satisfying than representing your country on the biggest stage of sports? For many athletes, nothing comes close. The pride, the honor, the sheer thrill of donning national colors and competing among the world’s best is an unparalleled experience. For Canadian tennis player Leylah Fernandez, the scenario is no different. Her will to participate in the Olympics is immense. But, what’s stopping this rising star from representing her country in Paris this year?

The 2021 US Open finalist appeared on the 22nd Episode of Match Point Tennis podcast. She deliberated on a wide range of topics, including her season as a whole and her hopes to represent Canada at the Olympics. Chatting in the interview, Fernandez revealed her desire to play for her country in Paris this summer but revealed that she is yet to receive a call from the Federation.

When asked about getting an opportunity to compete at the Olympics and her priorities regarding the same, Fernandez responded in anticipation. “Yeah, as I’ve said many, many times in the past, representing your country is the highest honor out there. And hopefully, I get the call that I get to represent Canada at the Olympics.” She further expressed how important the tournament is for her.  “It comes every four years. So for me, it’s going to be one of the biggest tournaments out there. And hopefully, if I do play, it will be a great tournament and I’ll be able to bring back a medal back to Canada.”

The 21-year-old also expressed her desire to play in pairs as well. When quizzed about plans of parking with someone, she responded positively. “Oh, 100%. And I’ve talked about this with my team that I not only just want to play singles, but I want to play doubles.” If given an opportunity, this will be the second Olympics for the Canadian tennis player.

Leylah Fernandez participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While she won the first round against Dayana Yastremska, she was ousted from the tournament after she failed to defeat Barbora Krejcikova in the second round. This season, Fernandez’s latest campaign on clay did not meet with enough success.

She was ousted from the tournament in the third round of both singles and doubles. With the Olympics all set to be played on the same clay courts at Roland Garros, it will be interesting to see if the Canadian can do something exceptional if given a chance. Meanwhile, Leylah’s desire to represent her country is not new.

‘Canada’ written on the back of my shirt’ gives Leylah Fernandez immense confidence

The 21-year-old tennis star has represented her country at some prestigious occasions. As a former US Open finalist, a three-time WTA titlist, and Billie Jean King Cup champion, the Canadian has brought enough fame to her country. And her fondness to represent Canada at the grandest stages is not new.

Speaking to Olympics.com, Fernandez opened up about her desire to represent Canada and the pride she gets from it. “Every time I have ‘Canada’ written on the back of my shirt, it gives me a lot of confidence.” Continuing further, she explained how her matches are not just for herself, but also for her nation. “I don’t only play for myself but the whole country. And so I try to help my country… [use] my strength to work harder and fight on all the points so that we can advance, reach the final.”

With the Summer Olympics around the corner, it will be interesting to see if she can get another chance to represent her country yet again and bring an end to her state of confusion.