“I’m Leaving and I Promise Never to Return,” Leylah Annie Fernandez Announces After Career Milestone
In a shocking and emotional announcement, Canadian tennis sensation Leylah Annie Fernandez declared that she would be stepping away from professional tennis and would “never return.” The 21-year-old athlete made the revelation following a challenging year in her career, marked by physical struggles and disappointing performances on the WTA tour.
Speaking to the media after her final match of the season, Fernandez, known for her relentless fighting spirit on the court, expressed the deep emotional toll that the sport has taken on her. “I’ve given everything to this game, and after much reflection, I feel it’s time for me to say goodbye,” Fernandez stated, her voice cracking with emotion. “I’m leaving, and I promise I won’t return.”
Fernandez’s decision comes after a season filled with injuries and setbacks that kept her from competing at the level fans had come to expect. The Canadian star, who rose to fame during her remarkable run to the US Open final in 2021, had been struggling to find her form on the tour in recent months. Her powerful game and fiery demeanor were once a hallmark of her playing style, but the constant physical strain began to take its toll.
While the tennis world was stunned by the announcement, many fans and experts speculated that the stress and mental exhaustion of professional tennis were factors in Fernandez’s decision. “The pressure, the traveling, the expectation — it’s all become too much,” she admitted. “I’ve fought hard, but now I need to take care of myself.”
The 2021 US Open finalist also expressed deep gratitude for her journey. “Tennis has given me so much. I’ve been fortunate to compete against the best, to inspire others, and to play in some of the biggest arenas in the world,” she said. “But at this point in my life, it’s time to move on.”
Fernandez’s announcement left the tennis community in shock, as many were hopeful she would return to her previous form and challenge the sport’s top players once again. However, her decision, while heartbreaking, is also a testament to her strength in knowing when to step away from the game.
As she walks away from tennis, Fernandez’s legacy remains intact — a resilient, inspiring figure who captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
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