At just 20 years old, Leylah Fernandez has already made a significant impact in the world of professional tennis. Ranked among the top players globally, with two Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) titles and a finalist appearance at the 2021 U.S. Open, Fernandez’s prowess extends beyond the court. Her commitment to financial literacy and advocacy for fellow athletes recently took center stage as Morgan Stanley and the WTA unveiled a new, multi-year global partnership, marking a significant development in the realm of women’s sports.
**Morgan Stanley and WTA Partnership: More Than Tennis**
The partnership between Morgan Stanley and the WTA goes beyond the traditional realms of sports sponsorship. While fostering inclusivity and expanding access to tennis, the program includes a vital component—financial literacy and planning resources for players. Fernandez, serving as a brand ambassador for Morgan Stanley, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, seeing it as a progressive step for women’s sports.
In an interview with CNBC, Fernandez highlighted the financial concerns shared by many athletes, especially the fear of a career-ending injury without a clear plan. The Morgan Stanley program aims to address this issue by providing resources to help players prepare for their financial future. “We’re focused on tennis our whole lives. That’s the only thing that we know, but it’s not something we can always depend on. I want to have that stability, that thought that everything is going to be all right, and we need to have those resources,” Fernandez emphasized.
The initiative reflects a broader trend of financial institutions aligning with athletes to address issues beyond their immediate careers. By integrating financial literacy into sports partnerships, institutions like Morgan Stanley aim to empower athletes to make informed decisions about their financial well-being beyond their time on the court.
**Leylah Fernandez as a Catalyst for Change**
Morgan Stanley’s choice of Leylah Fernandez as a brand ambassador is not arbitrary. Fernandez’s leadership both on and off the court positions her as a role model, someone other athletes can relate to. Alice Milligan, Chief Marketing Officer of Morgan Stanley, noted that Fernandez embodies the company’s values of community engagement, equity, and inclusion. Her involvement with various brands, including Lululemon, Google, and Subway, demonstrates her ability to navigate the business world while maintaining her commitment to tennis.
Fernandez’s engagement in the business realm has provided her with valuable insights. She shared her initial hesitation to ask questions, fearing they might be perceived as “dumb” or too simple. However, she emphasized that asking questions is crucial, especially when considering her financial stability post-tennis. Fernandez sees her involvement with Morgan Stanley as an opportunity to encourage healthy financial conversations among WTA players, creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns and uncertainties.
**Balancing Academics, Tennis, and Business**
While traveling the world for tennis tournaments and achieving a career-high ranking of 13, Fernandez is prioritizing her education. Majoring in business at Indiana University East, she exemplifies the importance of athletes pursuing academic goals. The university’s partnership with the WTA allows players to pursue baccalaureate degrees online while competing on tour, showcasing the synergy between academics and professional sports.
As for her future ambitions outside of tennis, Fernandez expressed a keen interest in learning more about business and the stock market. Working with a financial giant like Morgan Stanley provides her with valuable exposure to the intricacies of financial planning, emphasizing the importance of diversification and informed decision-making.
In conclusion, Leylah Fernandez’s multifaceted journey—from a rising tennis star to a proactive advocate for financial literacy—underscores the evolving landscape of women’s sports. The Morgan Stanley and WTA partnership, with Fernandez at its forefront, symbolizes a collaborative effort to empower athletes not just in their respective sports but also in securing their financial futures. Fernandez’s story reflects the broader narrative of athletes breaking barriers, making impactful contributions, and preparing for a future beyond the playing field.