Tennis stars Fernandez, Lys, give Hong Kong children an introduction to game they love
Judy Murray, Leylah Fernandez, Eva Lys and Li Na give local groups some coaching as part of WTA’s Come Play programme
Stars of the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open joined Judy Murray for an outreach programme on Sunday, where they spent the day giving back to the local community and coaching children with special educational needs (SEN).
Murray, the mother of former world No 1 and three-time grand slam winner Andy Murray, takes the WTA Come Play programme, which aims to make tennis more accessible, to cities that feature on the tour.
She was joined by Germany’s world No 50 player Eva Lys, China’s Li Na and 2023 Hong Kong Open champion Leylah Fernandez, who said she was “honoured” to give back to the city’s children.
“Tennis has given me the privilege on so many levels, playing around the world, meeting new people,” 23-year-old Fernandez said. “I’m very honoured to be given an opportunity to give back to the community and to connect with more fans or introduce them to tennis.
“We’ve grown up very, very lucky to be at this stage. I’ve always said that when I have the chance, I want to give back, and to be able to do that here is amazing.”
Fernandez is a fan favourite in Hong Kong after winning the tournament two years ago. Lys, on the other hand, is experiencing the city for the first time, but said she wanted to come after hearing great things about the event from other players on the tour.