Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez is at the center of a brewing legal storm after a high-profile sponsorship deal with luxury apparel giant Velaré reportedly collapsed behind closed doors, sparking threats of litigation and igniting debate over athletes’ rights in endorsement contracts.
According to sources close to Fernandez’s management, the 22-year-old was blindsided when Velaré abruptly pulled out of a multimillion-dollar contract extension just weeks before she was set to unveil her new branded clothing line at Wimbledon. The decision, Fernandez’s team claims, breached several clauses of the original agreement, including promises of marketing support and global campaign rollouts.
The brand’s withdrawal has not only raised eyebrows—it has reportedly cost Fernandez close to $1.7 million in potential revenue and triggered legal action now brewing behind the scenes.
“She Fulfilled Every Obligation”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source within Fernandez’s camp told The Tennis Report:
“Leylah delivered everything that was asked of her—public appearances, social media promotions, brand alignment. Velaré’s decision was abrupt, unjustified, and professionally damaging.”
Documents leaked to reporters suggest that the brand cited “strategic market repositioning” as the reason for ending the deal early, a move Fernandez’s legal team is calling a “disguised exit strategy” to shift focus to more established A-list celebrities.
The young Canadian, known for her passionate fanbase and humble off-court demeanor, is said to be devastated but determined.
“Leylah’s not just fighting for herself,” said her agent. “She’s standing up for every athlete who gets treated like a disposable asset once the cameras stop rolling.”
Velaré Responds
In a brief but pointed statement, Velaré denied any wrongdoing:
“We hold Ms. Fernandez in high regard. Our recent business decisions are based solely on broader marketing initiatives. Any suggestion of contractual breach will be addressed through proper legal channels.”
Despite the diplomatic tone, insiders hint that both sides are gearing up for a messy public dispute, with Fernandez’s team prepared to release documentation and communications that could damage the brand’s reputation.
Fans React
The news has sparked outrage among Fernandez’s supporters, many of whom have taken to social media to call for a boycott of Velaré products.
“They used her image, milked her momentum, and tossed her aside. Disgusting,” wrote one fan on X.
Another posted:
“Leylah is a role model for young athletes. If brands treat her this way, imagine what they’re doing to less famous players.”
A Bigger Fight Than Tennis
While Fernandez has remained mostly silent on the matter, she posted a cryptic Instagram Story that read:
“Respect is more valuable than money.”
Legal analysts suggest the case could set a powerful precedent for athlete-brand relationships, particularly around early termination clauses and image rights.
As Fernandez prepares for the North American hard court season, this off-court battle might be her toughest opponent yet.