Leylah Fernandez recently took a light-hearted break from the competitive world of tennis by trying her hand at a popular viral dance challenge set to Rosé and Bruno Mars’ hit song “APT.” The attempt, however, did not go quite as she had envisioned, leading the 22-year-old to share a humorous, self-deprecating reaction that showcased her charming personality and sense of humor. Despite being an elite athlete, Fernandez showed that even top professionals have moments where they step out of their comfort zone—and sometimes stumble.
In a video shared on her Instagram, Fernandez struggled to keep up with the intricate dance steps. Her playful frustration was evident as she tried to match the rhythm, only to miss a few beats and throw her hands up in mock exasperation. The clip, which quickly garnered attention, was accompanied by a candid caption: “I guess I’m sticking to tennis 🤷♀️🙈.” The tennis star’s lighthearted approach resonated with fans, who appreciated her openness and willingness to poke fun at herself.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Fernandez’s first attempt at dancing to “APT.” Just a week earlier, she had shared a much smoother performance to the same song, showcasing her skills after a day of practice with Team Canada. In that post, she exuded joy and energy, writing: “This is how I feel after a full day of practice with Team Canada 🇨🇦 😀 @tenniscanada.” The contrast between the two videos provided a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of the athlete, revealing both her competitive edge and her playful side.
The lighthearted moment came after a challenging end to Fernandez’s 2024 tennis season. She had recently represented Canada at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Malaga, where the defending champions faced a tough semifinal clash against Great Britain. With Emma Raducanu giving the British team an early lead after defeating Rebecca Marino 6-0, 7-5, the pressure was on Fernandez to keep Canada’s hopes alive. Unfortunately, she fell short against Katie Boulter, suffering a 6-2, 6-4 loss.
The defeat was a tough pill to swallow for Fernandez, who had carried high expectations into the tournament. Following the loss, she took to social media to express her disappointment but also conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country. “This one hurts. Grateful for the opportunity to have played for Canada again and for the incredible support we received this week in Malaga 🇨🇦❤️,” she wrote. Her heartfelt message struck a chord with fans and fellow players alike, and it wasn’t long before tennis legend Billie Jean King stepped in with words of encouragement.
King, a trailblazer in women’s tennis and a role model for athletes worldwide, left a thoughtful comment on Fernandez’s post. She reminded the young Canadian to view the experience not as a failure but as a learning opportunity. “It’s feedback, not failure. Looking forward to watching your continued journey in 2025,” King wrote. The message highlighted the importance of resilience and growth, values that King herself has championed throughout her illustrious career. For Fernandez, receiving such support from a tennis icon was undoubtedly uplifting, especially in the face of a difficult defeat.
Fernandez’s 2024 season had its ups and downs, reflecting the challenges that many young players face as they navigate the demanding world of professional tennis. She ended the year with a 31-24 win/loss record, falling just short of capturing a WTA title. Her best Grand Slam performance came at the French Open, where she reached the third round. In a closely contested match, she faced the formidable Ons Jabeur and ultimately lost 6-4, 7-6(5). Despite the setback, Fernandez’s performance on the clay courts of Roland Garros demonstrated her potential and resilience.
Throughout the season, Fernandez showcased her trademark fighting spirit, but the year was also a reminder of the fine margins in professional tennis. Each match, whether a win or a loss, provided valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Her performance at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals, while disappointing, also underscored the pressures and expectations that come with representing one’s country on a global stage. For Fernandez, the experience will likely serve as motivation as she looks ahead to the 2025 season.
Off the court, Fernandez’s engaging personality and willingness to connect with fans have made her a beloved figure in the tennis community. Her attempt at the viral dance challenge was a perfect example of this. While some athletes might shy away from sharing anything less than perfect, Fernandez’s openness and sense of humor made her all the more relatable. It was a reminder that even world-class athletes have moments of vulnerability—and that it’s okay to laugh at oneself.
As Fernandez prepares for the upcoming season, she will no doubt carry the lessons of 2024 with her. The support from figures like Billie Jean King, combined with her own determination and talent, bodes well for her future. Whether on the court or attempting viral dance challenges, Leylah Fernandez continues to captivate fans with her authenticity and resilience. Her journey is one that many will be watching closely, eager to see how she builds on the experiences of the past year and what new heights she can reach in 2025.