Leylah Fernandez has reacted to being honored with an award by the Canadian tennis federation, which is her second award this year.
The 2021 US Open runner-up was given the 2023 Tennis Canada Excellence Award for Player of the Year. Felix Auger-Aliassime, who recently said he does not feel he has 'missed the train' compared to his rivals, received the male award.
Fernandez already received the Billie Jean King Finals Heart Award earlier this year for her performances in the Billie Jean King Cup. The Canadian expressed her delight at the recognition in a post on Instagram.
"Massive thanks to the incredible souls who cast their votes and cheered me on every step of the way. Snagging player of the year and the BJK Finals Heart Award? Pinch me, I must be dreaming!"
Fernandez played a pivotal role in Canada winning the first Billie Jean King Cup title. The 21-year-old won all five of her matches at the Finals in November and sealed the trophy with a victory against Italy's Martina Trevisan in the final.
Fernandez also had some success playing doubles at Grand Slam and WTA level. She reached the French Open and Miami Open finals with American Taylor Townsend, her partner during both runs.
The successes as a team with Canada and in Grand Slams and WTA events led to Fernandez expressing her gratitude to her Canadian teammates and her coach.
"Big love to my rockstar Team Canada, the powerhouse performance crew, my coach who's my secret weapon, and of course, my fam.
The Canadian had some issues in singles this year, and Fernandez spoke about how she lost her tennis identity during her struggles. However, she had a late-season resurgence by winning the Hong Kong Open in October.
Fernandez will hope to use the momentum from the Hong Kong title, Billie Jean King Cup triumph and two awards to have a successful 2024 season.
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