Leylah Fernandez draws motivation from Billie Jean King's "feedback, not a failure" message; thanks legend for "wisdom" ahead of 2025 season
Leylah Fernandez received encouragement from tennis icon Billie Jean King after her loss at the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup finals. Fernandez was representing Canada, who entered the event as the top seed, having won the competition last year.
Canada faced off against Great Britain in the quarterfinals in a tough faceoff. Representing their respective countries, Fernandez squared off against Katie Boulter from the opposite team. In a one-sided battle, the Brit won the match 6-2, 6-4. Previously Canada's Rebecca Marino had fallen to Britain's Emma Raducanu, and therefore the defending champions were shown the door in the last eight this year.
After her loss, Fernandez expressed her dismay on social media.
"This one hurts. Grateful for the opportunity to have played for Canada again and for the incredible support we received this week in Malaga," said Fernandez (via Instagram).
Billie Jean King, in honor of whom the event is named, penned an encouraging message for the Canadian in her comments. The American legend urged the young player to take the loss as a lesson in the form of feedback and focus on her upcoming season in 2025.
"It's feedback, not failure. Looking forward to watching your continued journey in 2025." said Billie Jean King
In response, the World No. 31 thanked the legend for her advice and promised to give her best in the upcoming season.
"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" posted Fernandez (via Instagram).
Fernandez finished her 2024 season with a 31-25 record with no titles.
Leylah Fernandez played a key role in Canada's 2023 Billie Jean King Cup triumph
Leylah Fernandez might have lost her match this year, but she was instrumental in Canada's Billie Jean King Cup title last year. In the group stages, Canada faced off against Spain and Poland. Fernandez won both her singles ties against Magda Linette (Poland) and Sara Sorribes Tormo (Spain).
In the semifinals, Canada faced off against the Czech Republic. After Canada had lost the first singles match, Fernandez kept the tie alive after winning a thrilling three-set contest against Wimbledon Champion Marketa Vondrousova. Fernandez then pulled double duty for her country and teamed up with Gabriela Dabrowski in the doubles, winning against the Czech team of Barbora Krejcikov and Katerina Siniakova.
In the final, Canada faced Italy. After Marina Stakusic won the first match, Fernandez clinched the title for her country with a straight-set victory over Jasmine Paolini.