OSAKA — Canada’s Leylah Fernandez capped off a determined performance at the Japan Women’s Open on Saturday night, defeating Tereza Valentova of Czechia 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 to capture the singles crown in Osaka.
The 23-year-old from Laval, Quebec, came out blazing, needing just 28 minutes to sweep the first set. But the 18-year-old Valentova, one of tennis’s rising stars, mounted a fierce comeback, pushing Fernandez to the limit in a nearly two-hour battle before the Canadian closed out the victory at the Utsubo Tennis Center.
Fernandez’s sharp baseline play and consistency proved decisive. She struck three aces and seven winners, committing only four unforced errors across the match. Her composure on key points gave her an edge, particularly in the third set when she broke Valentova’s serve twice to seal the win.
Fernandez won 70% of her first-serve points and 46% on second serve, while saving five of nine break points. She also dominated on return, winning 43 receiving points compared to Valentova’s 31.
The victory marks another strong showing for Fernandez, who continues to build momentum late in the 2025 season and reinforce her reputation as one of Canada’s top tennis talents.