On Instagram, Fernandez confirmed this isn't a joke. "I'm completely serious, and you guys should give it a try," she wrote.

The 2021 US Open finalist, now 22, has never dated. With encouragement from her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, the Canadian tennis player is looking for a serious relationship.

"My dad said it's time to do this," Fernandez told Germany's Bild newspaper. "He requested that the guy actively learn about me and my family. This will be quite fun; I really want to date in Montreal."

Fernandez celebrates her DC Open title in Washington, D.C. on 27/7. Photo: Reuters

Fernandez celebrates her DC Open title in Washington, D.C. on 27/7. Photo: Reuters

Born in Montreal, Canada, to an Ecuadorian father and a Filipino mother, Fernandez achieved success early in her career. She reached the girls' singles final of the Australian Open at 16 and won the girls' Roland Garros title the same year. In 2019, she made her WTA Tour debut, and just two years later, she reached the US Open women's singles final, losing to fellow teenager Emma Raducanu.

Both Fernandez and Raducanu had strong showings at the Washington Open last week, culminating in Fernandez's 6-1, 6-2 victory over Anna Kalinskaya in the final on 27/7. This win propelled her from 36th to 24th in the world rankings.

"I've received quite a few messages," Fernandez revealed about her boyfriend search. "There were 100 messages on the first day. Honestly, it's difficult to get to know someone who doesn't play tennis, but I think you shouldn't date a colleague. I'd like to start with a coffee date, then a walk and a chat."

Fernandez acknowledges that the demanding schedule of a professional tennis player leaves little time for romance. This week, she'll compete in the National Bank Open, also known as the Rogers Cup, in her hometown of Montreal.

Vy Anh