Leylah Fernandez Leads Canada to Billie Jean King Cup Finals with Outstanding Performance

In a thrilling tie-breaker doubles match, Canada triumphed over Belgium 3-2 to secure their spot in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, with Leylah Fernandez claiming victory in all three decisive points.

The first day of the tournament had ended in a 1-1 draw between Canada and Belgium, with victories by Leylah Fernandez and Ysaline Bonaventure for each country.

In the first match of the day, world No. 50 Fernandez secured her second victory, putting Canada ahead 2-1 in the series against Belgium. The former 2021 US Open finalist had to fight hard to come back from a set down against Ysaline Bonaventure, who took the first set 4-6 and pushed Fernandez to 5-5 in the second. Fernandez raised her level and ultimately won the match 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.

The second encounter featured world No. 136 Katherine Sebov against world No. 171 Greet Minnen. Taking advantage of Sebov's service struggles, the Belgian capitalized on Sebov's low 20%-win rate on second serve points (3/15) and secured the victory with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

The series between the Canadian and Belgian teams had to be decided in a decisive doubles match. World No. 7 in doubles, Gabriela Dabrowski, teamed up with Leylah Fernandez to easily defeat the duo of Kirsten Flipkens and Greet Minnen, winning 6-1, 6-2 and clinching the series for Canada.

With recent injuries to Bianca Andreescu, who was present to support her teammates, Leylah Fernandez emerged as the undisputed leader of the Canadian team, winning all three matches she played (two singles and one doubles), securing Canada's passage to the finals.