Leylah Fernandez's season ended with a defeat in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, but she was happy to get a message from the tennis legend who the competition is named after.
Fernandez entered the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals hoping to repeat her heroics last year when Team Canada unexpectedly won the competition for the first time in its history.
The 2021 US Open runner-up won both of her singles matches in the 2023 group stage against Spain and Poland, helping the Canadians top the group and progress to the semifinals in Seville.
Fernandez played an even more pivotal role in the semifinal against the Czech Republic. Team Canada fell 0-1 behind, but the 22-year-old defeated Marketa Vondrousova in the singles before teaming up with Gabriela Dabrowski to win the doubles.
The Canadians sealed a maiden Davis Cup title after Fernandez comfortably triumphed against Jasmine Paolini in the final. It was one of the most historic moments in the country's tennis history.
Team Italy responded superbly to their 2023 final loss by winning this year's iteration. Paolini secured the title for her country by defeating Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova in straight sets, marking a perfect end to her breakthrough season.
By contrast, Fernandez did not enjoy the same success at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Her straight-sets defeat to Katie Boulter in the quarterfinal ended Team Canada's hopes of retaining the title.
Overall, Fernandez has had a mixed season. Highs include beating Elena Rybakina during a run to the Canadian Open quarterfinal, reaching the Qatar Open quarterfinal, and finishing as the runner-up to Daria Kasatkina at the Eastbourne International.
While those are impressive achievements, Fernandez will be disappointed she did not win a title. The 22-year-old's last WTA crown came in the closing stages of last season at the Hong Kong Open.
Fernandez sent a message to her fans on Instagram after Team Canada's loss to Boulter ended its Billie Jean King Cup hopes. She admitted the elimination hurt but was grateful for the support from fans in Malaga.
"This one hurts. Grateful for the opportunity to have played for Canada again and for the incredible support we received this week in Malaga."
Tennis and equality icon Jean King noticed Fernandez's message. The 12-time Grand Slam singles champion told the Canadian to use the moment as feedback instead of viewing it as a failure.
"It's feedback, not failure. Looking forward to watching your continued journey in 2025."
Unsurprisingly, the former US Open runner-up was thrilled to receive a message from a legendary figure like Jean King. Fernandez thanked her for the wisdom and vowed to give everything to improve in 2025.
"Thank you for your wisdom and motivation @billiejeanking I’ll take the feedback and you can count on me to give it my all in 2025."
Fernandez has been on the WTA Tour for a while, but at 22, she is still a young player. That gives her much time to improve in the future and reach the top of the sport.
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