In the dynamic world of tennis, Canadian sensation Leylah Fernandez has not only made her mark with her on-court prowess but has also emerged as a trendsetter in the realm of tennis fashion. Since her breakthrough year in 2021, Fernandez’s distinctive style has garnered attention, and she has become a fashion icon within the tennis community. Last year, she made history by becoming the first global ambassador for Canadian sportswear brand Lululemon, a significant move that further solidified her influence in the tennis fashion landscape.
Continuing her trailblazing journey, Fernandez recently caught the eye of fans with a notable change in her on-court attire. During the US Open tournaments in San Diego and Guadalajara, observant fans noticed a shift in Fernandez’s choice of footwear. Known for sporting On shoes, a brand owned by tennis legend Roger Federer, Fernandez opted for a surprising change by wearing basketball shoes. Not just any basketball shoes, but the Stewie 2, a signature sneaker designed by WNBA star Breanna Stewart for Puma.
This unconventional choice of footwear raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among fans and tennis enthusiasts. In a revealing interview with the TennisOne App YouTube channel, Fernandez shed light on her decision to switch to the Puma Stewie 2, emphasizing that, despite not being sponsored by Puma, she made the choice for the sheer comfort they provided.
Fernandez shared the serendipitous discovery of the Puma Stewie 2, explaining that she initially mistook them for tennis shoes. “They actually look a lot like tennis shoes—that’s actually where I saw them. I saw it close to the tennis shoes and it looked like a tennis shoe, and I’m like, Ah, let me try this out. The clerk just told me, No, it’s basketball shoes. And then, some funny statement my dad made… He said why not just try it out on the tennis court? I’m like, yeah I’ll do it! Let me buy it and let’s try it out. And I fell in love with it,” Fernandez revealed.
This unconventional move by Fernandez not only reflects her bold and experimental approach to fashion but also introduces a unique crossover between basketball and tennis styles. The Stewie 2, designed for basketball performance, found its way onto the tennis court through Fernandez’s endorsement, breaking traditional norms in the sport.
The Puma Stewie 2 sneakers worn by Fernandez boast a vibrant design featuring cool blue, aqua, and white hues—a departure from the more traditional tennis shoe aesthetics. While basketball shoes are designed with specific features tailored to the demands of the basketball court, Fernandez has found them to be surprisingly effective on the tennis court, highlighting their comfort and versatility.
Puma, the sportswear giant, claims that the Stewie 2 comes equipped with a high-abrasion rubber outsole, non-slip rubber compounds, and nitrogen-injected foam cushioning. These features, designed to enhance comfort, responsiveness, and explosiveness, align with the rigorous demands of basketball. However, Fernandez’s endorsement suggests that these qualities also translate well to the dynamic movements and footwork required in tennis.
Leylah Fernandez’s choice to embrace the Puma Stewie 2 not only showcases her individuality and willingness to break away from conventional norms in tennis fashion but also opens up new possibilities for cross-disciplinary influences in athletic footwear. As a rising star in tennis, Fernandez’s impact extends beyond her impressive performances on the court, making waves in the ever-evolving landscape of tennis fashion. Her daring choice to introduce basketball-inspired footwear to tennis reflects a spirit of innovation that adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the intersection of sports and style.