Leylah Fernandez lifts Japan Open crown

Canada’s Leylah Fernandez battled past Czech teenager Tereza Valentova 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 to clinch the Japan Open title on Sunday, adding a fifth WTA trophy to her growing collection.

The 22-year-old, ranked 27th in the world, dominated the opening set in just 29 minutes, showing the sharp baseline play that once took her to the 2021 US Open final. Valentova, an 18-year-old qualifier, regrouped in the second set, breaking Fernandez in the final game to push the contest into a decider.

However, Fernandez regained control with an early break in the third set and held her nerve through a late surge from the Czech to secure victory after nearly two hours.

This triumph marks Fernandez’s second title of the 2025 season, following her win at the WTA 500 D.C. Open in July, reaffirming her return to top form.