The National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) is an annual observance in the United States, celebrated on Feb. 4 each year since 1987. This day honors and promotes the achievements of women in sports. In recognition of this special occasion, Leylah Fernandez shared a powerful message encouraging girls in sports while expressing that women’s sports deserve “spotlight” and “respect.”
Leylah Fernandez Sends a Strong Message on National Girls and Women in Sports Day
On the occasion of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Fernandez took to social media to share a carousel of photos featuring herself at various tennis events. It included pictures of her with tennis icons such as Billie Jean King, Venus Williams, and Bethanie Mattek-Sands, as well as her sister, fellow player Bianca, and others.
Fernandez stated that every woman who watches, plays, or is just beginning to engage in sports “belongs” in the athletic community. She said that women’s sports deserve both the “spotlight” and “respect,” noting that she would not be playing tennis professionally without the pioneering women who paved the way for her.
“To every girl watching, playing, or just starting to believe she belongs here… you do!! Women’s sports deserve the spotlight, the respect, and the future we’re building together 🏆 ✨ I wouldn’t be here without the women who came before me and the girls who keep dreaming alongside me,” Fernandez captioned her Instagram post.
The former world No. 13 celebrated women’s “strength and resilience,” encouraging all women to keep dreaming, work hard, and empower one another so everyone can flourish.
“Today we celebrate strength, resilience, and the power of believing in ourselves, on and off the court 🤍 Keep dreaming, keep working, keep empowering each other xxx #NationalGirlsAndWomenInSportsDay,” she added.
On the tennis side, Fernandez began her 2026 season in Australia, competing in three tournaments: the Brisbane International, the Adelaide International, and the Australian Open. In Brisbane, she lost her opening match to Dayana Yastremska. In Adelaide, she was eliminated in the first round by Diana Shnaider.
At the Australian Open, Fernandez was defeated by Janice Tjen in the first round. In doubles, she and Tímea Babos lost their opening match against Cristina Bucșa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. In mixed doubles, she teamed up with Nick Kyrgios, but they fell to Anna Danilina and James Tracy in the second round.
Most recently, the former world No. 13 competed at the 2026 Abu Dhabi Open, where she won against Chloé Paquet before losing to McCartney Kessler in the second round.
Looking ahead, Fernandez is next expected to compete at the Qatar Open, scheduled to take place from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14, 2026, at the International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, Qatar.