Photo from @leylahannietennis instagram page
Leylah Fernandez, the Filipina-Ecuadorian-Canadian tennis star, wins her fifth career WTA title at the Japan Open in Osaka after a three-set victory over Czech teenager Tereza Valentova.
OSAKA, Japan — Canadian tennis star Leylah Annie Fernandez, captured her fifth career WTA singles title at the 2025 Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Osaka after defeating 18-year-old Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova in a thrilling three-set final, 6-0, 5-7, 6-3.
The 23-year-old left-hander from Montreal, known for her fiery competitiveness and calm under pressure, secured her second title of the 2025 season, following her earlier triumph at the Washington D.C. Open. The win elevates her to world No. 22 and reestablishes her as Canada’s top-ranked women’s player, surpassing compatriot Victoria Mboko.
Dominance, grit, and grace on display
Fernandez opened the final with authority, storming through the first set 6-0 in less than 30 minutes. Valentova, one of the tour’s most promising teenagers, struck back in the second set, capitalizing on brief lapses from Fernandez to force a decider.
In the third set, Fernandez broke early and never looked back, sealing victory in just over two hours — a testament to her stamina, patience, and tactical maturity.
“First of all, congratulations, Tereza — you played amazing,” Fernandez said during her trophy speech. “Thank you to my team for suffering with me this past week, past month, and past year. Without your sacrifices and support, I wouldn’t be here today.
Her heartfelt message drew applause from the Osaka crowd, many of whom have followed her journey since her breakout run to the 2021 US Open final.
A proud multicultural identity
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Leylah is the daughter of Jorge Fernandez, a former Ecuadorian soccer player who now serves as her coach, and Irene Exevea Fernandez, a Canadian of Filipino descent from Cavite.
The tennis prodigy often credits her parents’ immigrant values of hard work, humility, and resilience for shaping her character. “My mom’s Filipino side taught me to stay kind and grounded no matter how big the stage,” she shared in an earlier interview.
Her heritage – Filipino through her mother, Ecuadorian through her father, and Canadian by birth – has made her a beloved figure across three continents. Filipino fans, in particular, take pride in seeing her raise the Philippines profile in the sport alongside Canada’s whenever she competes in Asia.
A victory that strengthens Asia’s tennis spotlight
The Japan Open, a WTA 250 event held at Osaka’s Utsubo Tennis Center, has long been a proving ground for emerging champions. Fernandez’s triumph reinforces the tournament’s growing prestige and highlights Asia’s role as a vibrant hub for world-class tennis.
For runner-up Tereza Valentova, the week marked a career milestone – reaching her maiden WTA final after a string of strong wins over higher -ranked opponents.
A champion with momentum
With her Osaka title, Fernandez builds crucial momentum heading into the final stretch of the WTA season. Analysts expect her to make deeper runs in the upcoming high-tier events and return to the top 20 soon.
Beyond rankings, however, Fernandez continues to represent something deeper – a multicultural athlete who embodies discipline, gratitude, and perseverance. Her success story bridges continents and cultures, reminding young athletes everywhere that excellence thrives where identity is embraced.
