Canadian tennis sensation Leylah Fernandez displayed a mix of dominance and resilience in a thrilling showdown against Tereza Valentova from Czechia at the Japan Women’s Open. After storming through the first set with a quick 6-0 victory, Fernandez had to dig deep to eventually triumph 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 in a hard-fought championship final at the Utsubo Tennis Center on Saturday night.
The 23-year-old Fernandez, hailing from Laval, Que., showcased her remarkable skills with a swift first set win in just 28 minutes. However, the 18-year-old Valentova staged a remarkable comeback, pushing Fernandez to her limits in a match that lasted nearly two hours.
This win marks Fernandez’s fifth career title and her second of 2025, following her earlier triumph at the Washington Open. Expressing gratitude after her victory, Fernandez credited her coach and father, Jorge Fernandez, along with her dedicated team and supportive family for their unwavering encouragement and sacrifices.
With an impressive performance on the court, Fernandez recorded three aces, seven winners, and minimized errors, sealing her victory with grace. Her strong gameplay was evident as she outplayed Valentova, winning 43 points while receiving compared to her opponent’s 31.
Looking ahead, Fernandez is set to continue her impressive form as she gears up to face fellow Canadian Victoria Mboko at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
Keyphrase: Leylah Fernandez tennis
