Photo: Robert Prange/Getty
Canadian tennis playerLeylah Fernandezspends most of her time “perfecting” her game on the court, but when she’s off-duty, she has a go-to uniform.
PEOPLE caught up with the 19-year-old rising star — who won her first match at the2022 U.S. Openlast night — at aBabolatevent in New York City last week, where she shared her usual off-the-clock look. “I love theLululemon Align leggings,” thebrand ambassadorrevealed. “They’re so soft and easy to walk around in; they’re my favorite.”
The brand’s most popular pair of leggings, which come in different lengths, colors, and even aversion with pockets, has earned thousands of fans who rave about the buttery soft fabric, weightless feel, and smooth appearance.
Lululemon
Buy It!Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 28" in Black, $98;lululemon.com
To complete her comfy outfit, Fernandez pairs the leggings with “any [Lululemon] crop top.” “They have so many options that feel so comfortable and easy to move around in on and off the court,” she said. “They’re so cute and I feel confident when I’m wearing them.”
Fernandez’s go-to pick is theInvigorate Training Tank Top, which she often wears while competing, too. While the athlete seems tofavor white, the cropped racerback style comes in 10 bright colors and is made with a quick-drying fabric that feels breathable, supportive, and sleek.
Buy It!Lululemon Invigorate Training Tank Top in White, $68;lululemon.com
Fernandez made a name for herself duringlast year’s U.S. Openwhen she advanced to the women’s singles final, ultimatelycoming in secondto fellow teenage underdog Emma Raducanu. Speaking with PEOPLE, Fernandez admitted that it feels “amazing” to be back in NYC, but despite a life-changing year, she said her “number one priority” remains the same: performing on the court.
Despite a foot injury that forced her to miss Wimbledon earlier this summer, Fernandez revealed that right now, her “body, mind, and emotions” are all “doing fantastic.” To get in the zone, her pre-match routine includes disconnecting from her phone, listening to her “top three bands” (Journey, Def Leppard, and Bon Jovi), and spending time with her coach, her dad Jorge.
“He knows when to play games with me or when to calm me down and keep me focused on the game plan,” the athlete shared. “The one thing that has stuck with me since the very beginning is to always talk with my dad before a match. That always brings me into a good mindset.”
Afterward, Fernandez says she slows down her adrenaline with “long showers and good food.” Along with deeming herself a “true crime junkie,” the young star’s Instagram bio reads “Advocate for empowering kids through sports.” As she encouraged young tennis players at the event where we met, cheering them on even when they missed shots, it was clear that Fernandez takes the title of “role model” seriously.
“I hope that when kids watch me play, they can see that anything is possible,” she shared. “The little Leylah from way back when would not believe that I’m here. I hope that every kid can have confidence and belief in themselves for their own dreams, whatever that is — whether it’s tennis or being an engineer. Hopefully, they can keep working, keep believing in themselves, and then achieve their own goals.”
Below, shop more Leylah-approved Lululemon items to wear on and off the court.
Buy It!Lululemon Energy Longline Bra, Medium Support in White, $58;lululemon.com
Buy It!Lululemon Align Tank Top in Scream Green Light, $68;lululemon.com
Buy It!Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Skirt in Black, $88;lululemon.com
Buy It!Lululemon Align High-Rise Crop 21" in Red Merlot, $88;lululemon.com
Buy It!Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant with Pockets 25" in Prosecco, $128;lululemon.com
Do you love a good deal?Sign up for PEOPLE’s Shopping newsletterto stay up to date on the latest sales, plus celebrity fashion, home decor and more.
See More from PEOPLE ShoppingThis Shoe Trend Combines Ballet Flats and Sneakers, and We’re Predicting It’ll Be Everywhere SoonShoppers in Their 50s, 60s, and 70s Praise This Anti-Aging Serum That ‘Erases Fine Lines’ — and It’s 45% OffPetite Shoppers Don’t Have to Hem These $16 Walmart Lounge Pants, and They’re Selling Out Fast
See More from PEOPLE Shopping
This Shoe Trend Combines Ballet Flats and Sneakers, and We’re Predicting It’ll Be Everywhere SoonShoppers in Their 50s, 60s, and 70s Praise This Anti-Aging Serum That ‘Erases Fine Lines’ — and It’s 45% OffPetite Shoppers Don’t Have to Hem These $16 Walmart Lounge Pants, and They’re Selling Out Fast
This Shoe Trend Combines Ballet Flats and Sneakers, and We’re Predicting It’ll Be Everywhere Soon
Shoppers in Their 50s, 60s, and 70s Praise This Anti-Aging Serum That ‘Erases Fine Lines’ — and It’s 45% Off
Petite Shoppers Don’t Have to Hem These $16 Walmart Lounge Pants, and They’re Selling Out Fast
source: people.com
