Tennis star tells fans to DM her on Instagram if they want to take her on a date before tournament starts as she 'hates dating apps'

Leylah Fernandez, Emma Raducanu's opponent in the 2021 US Open final, has taken to social media to offer one fan the chance to go on a date with her.

Like Raducanu, Fernandez rose to stardom at a young age as she shocked fans by earning a place in the US Open final in New York in 2021.

Although she went on to lose the tennis match to the British star in straight sets, Fernandez has since built up a huge fan base on social media with over 350,000 followers on Instagram.

And now, five years after her performance in the US Open final, Fernandez has reached out to her Instagram followers to offer one the chance to take her out on a date in her home town of Montreal.

Ahead of the WTA 1000 event in Montreal in early August, the world no.36 revealed that she wants to meet up with a fan for a date night after admitting that she isn't a fan of popular dating apps.

The 22-year-old asked for fans who are interested to DM her and give some information about themselves and why they would like to join her on the date.

Taking to Instagram, Fernandez said in a video: "In Montreal, I would like to go on a date."

The video then briefly cuts out as someone in the background mocks the tennis star with a gagging sound, leading to Fernandez bursting out in laughter.

She then continued: "Hey guys. You know what I really wanna do that I haven't done is going on a date.

"I'm not a big fan of dating apps so I'm actually going to do things my own way.

"I'm going to go on one date for one hour in Montreal.

"So if you want to be my date, DM me, let me know about yourself and see you there. See ya!"

In her caption of the post, Fernandez further explained the terms of her proposal, writing: "This will be fun, right?

"This isn't a joke. I fully intend to go on a date in Montreal so go ahead and DM me… time to shoot your shot.

"PS: you may have to meet my dad beforehand (good luck with that)."

And it appears that Fernandez may not be the only one currently exploring a potential relationship off the tennis court, as recent rumours have suggested that former rival Raducanu has been dating fellow tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.