
In a dazzling display of resilience and skill, 22-year-old Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez clinched the biggest title of her career at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, defeating Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in a commanding final on July 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The victory marked Fernandez’s fourth WTA singles title and her first at the prestigious WTA 500 level, a milestone that underscored her resurgence after a challenging season. With a blend of baseline precision and fearless net play, Fernandez captivated the crowd and solidified her status as one of tennis’s brightest talents. In an emotional on-court speech, she dedicated the triumph to her mother, Irene, her older sister, Jodeci, and her fitness trainer, Abdul Sillah, saying, “Thank you so much for never giving up on me — and don’t give up on yourselves. This trophy is for you guys.”
Fernandez’s journey to the DC Open title was a testament to her grit and determination. Entering the tournament ranked No. 36 with a losing record for the season, she had not won more than two matches at a single event since November 2023. Yet, Washington proved to be her turning point. She opened her campaign with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over New Zealand’s Maya Joint, setting the stage for a stunning upset against top seed Jessica Pegula, a former U.S. Open finalist, in a 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 battle. “In the beginning of the third set, I didn’t do many adjustments,” Fernandez admitted in her on-court interview. “When I went to wipe off some sweat, my coach was telling me to stay positive, to think of something positive, to switch the mentality.” That mental shift propelled her into the quarterfinals, where she faced her former doubles partner and friend, Taylor Townsend, in a grueling two-hour match. Fernandez’s heart and conditioning shone through, a nod to her childhood days when coaches doubted her physicality due to her 5-foot-6 stature. “My parents said: ‘Yeah, but if you put a tennis ball in front of her and you ask her to run for every ball, she’s going to do it. Her heart and her belief in herself is much bigger than most of the girls in that camp,’” she recalled.
The semifinals brought an epic clash against No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. In a marathon match lasting over three hours, Fernandez edged out the Kazakh player 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, navigating three tiebreakers with relentless focus. “It was definitely a tough match. It was a battle from beginning to end,” she said. “I wasn’t telling myself much in that moment. Listen to my coach and execute. Don’t overthink too much.” Her opponent, Kalinskaya, had been flawless all week, not dropping a set until the final. Yet, Fernandez dominated, saving the only break point she faced and capitalizing on four of Kalinskaya’s service games in a swift 1-hour, 9-minute rout. “Amazing fight this week,” Kalinskaya graciously told Fernandez after the match. “You truly deserve it.”
Fernandez’s victory was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal one. Born in Montreal to a Filipino-Canadian mother and an Ecuadorian father, Jorge, who also coaches her, Fernandez has always drawn strength from her family. Her older sister, Jodeci, a dentist in Ohio, and her mother, Irene, have been unwavering pillars of support, often sacrificing to fuel her dreams. Her younger sister, Bianca, a rising tennis player herself, shares a close bond with Leylah, even competing alongside her in doubles. The family’s sacrifices were not lost on Fernandez, whose dedication speech resonated with fans worldwide. “I want to dedicate this trophy to my mom, my oldest sister, and my fitness trainer. You guys have been fighting all year round and still are fighting,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.
Off the court, Fernandez’s charm and authenticity have endeared her to fans. Just days before the tournament, she made headlines with a playful social media post inviting suitors to ask her on a date during the upcoming National Bank Open in Montreal, provided they met her father first. “I’ve never been on one date before, so I just want to experience how it goes from there,” she shared, revealing a relatable side to her life as a global athlete. The post garnered over 100 responses, showcasing her ability to connect with fans beyond tennis. Her multicultural background—she speaks English, French, and Spanish fluently—and her commitment to education, pursuing a business degree at Indiana University East, further highlight her multifaceted character.
With this victory, Fernandez climbs to No. 24 in the WTA rankings, setting her sights on her home tournament in Montreal. Her DC Open triumph is a reminder of the fearless spirit that carried her to the 2021 U.S. Open final at age 19, where she fell to Emma Raducanu. As she continues her hard-court swing, Fernandez’s blend of tenacity, skill, and heart promises more unforgettable moments. “It’s tough to lose and [go] through that little rut,” she said, reflecting on her journey. “But I just want to keep competing, keep playing and put on a good show for the fans.” For Fernandez, this trophy is not just a symbol of victory but a tribute to those who believed in her when the odds seemed stacked against her.
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