“Thank You for Never Giving Up on Me” – Leylah Fernandez Dedicates Citi DC Open Trophy to Her Mother and Sister in Emotional Victory Speech
Leylah Fernandez delivered not just a performance of championship quality on the court, but a moment of heartfelt vulnerability and gratitude off it, as she lifted the 2025 Citi DC Open trophy in Washington, D.C. The Canadian star capped off a phenomenal week with a stunning win in the final, solidifying her resurgence on the WTA Tour. However, it was her emotional victory speech that captured hearts across the tennis world. With tears in her eyes, Fernandez dedicated her title to her mother and her oldest sister, saying, “Thank you for never giving up on me,” a moving tribute to the unwavering support system behind her meteoric journey.
The 22-year-old’s road to the title was anything but easy. Fernandez, who had been working tirelessly to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite, came into the Citi Open unseeded and without the expectations that often follow her. Yet, match after match, she defied the odds. Her path to the championship included a monumental upset over top-seed Jessica Pegula, a statement win that re-established her as a threat on hard courts. She followed that with another impressive victory over a top-10 opponent before defeating a red-hot Elena Rybakina in the final. Throughout the tournament, Fernandez played with tenacity, grace under pressure, and the kind of competitive fire that had first endeared her to fans during her 2021 U.S. Open run.
But while the tennis world celebrated her athletic triumph, Fernandez used her platform to reflect on the personal journey that led her back to the winner’s circle. Standing with the trophy in hand and the crowd erupting in cheers, she took a quiet moment to address two of the most important women in her life: her mother, Irene, and her oldest sister, Jodeci. “There were so many moments this past year when I doubted myself, when things just weren’t going my way,” she said, her voice trembling. “But you two—you never stopped believing in me. You kept reminding me who I am. This trophy is as much yours as it is mine.” Her message resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike, reminding everyone that behind every champion is a village that helped shape them.
Fernandez has often spoken about the close bond she shares with her family. Her father, Jorge, coached her for many years, while her mother and siblings played a crucial emotional and logistical role in her development. Yet this particular win, and the words that followed it, were a clear indication that Fernandez’s journey has not just been about wins and losses—it has been about resilience, trust, and the unbreakable strength of family. Her sister Jodeci, who put her own athletic dreams on hold to support Leylah’s career, was seen wiping away tears from the stands. Her mother, known for her quiet but fierce presence, looked on with pride. It was a moment of triumph not just for the athlete, but for the entire Fernandez family.
As the Citi DC Open concluded, Leylah Fernandez’s triumph stood as more than just a career milestone—it was a powerful story of perseverance, gratitude, and emotional depth. In a sport that so often celebrates strength and stoicism, Fernandez showed that vulnerability and love are just as powerful. Her victory speech will be remembered not just for the words she chose, but for the authenticity behind them. And as the tennis world turns its attention toward the U.S. Open, one thing is clear: Leylah Fernandez isn’t just back—she’s stronger than ever, backed by a family that never let her fall, and a spirit that refuses to be broken.
Leave a Reply