On a steamy evening at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., Leylah Fernandez delivered a performance of sheer brilliance, dismantling Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 to claim the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open title on July 27, 2025. The 22-year-old Canadian, with her relentless baseline aggression and unyielding spirit, secured her fourth WTA singles title and her first at the WTA 500 level, marking the most significant milestone of her career to date. In just 70 minutes, Fernandez showcased why she’s a rising force in women’s tennis, setting the stage for a thrilling US Open Series as she heads to the National Bank Open in her native Canada.
Fernandez’s path to the DC Open crown was a showcase of resilience and tactical mastery. The final against Kalinskaya, ranked World No. 48, was a one-sided affair, with Fernandez breaking serve early to race to a 3-1 lead in the first set. Her pinpoint accuracy and versatile shot-making, including a devastating drop shot to close the opener in 30 minutes, left Kalinskaya scrambling. The second set followed suit, with Fernandez converting four of six break points and holding serve throughout, her 66% second-serve point win rate proving decisive. “I want to congratulate Anna and your team. You guys have done a tremendous job all year long. You’re a tough opponent to play against,” Fernandez said post-match, her sportsmanship shining through as she acknowledged Kalinskaya’s challenge.
The road to the final was far from easy. Fernandez’s semifinal against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina was a three-hour, 12-minute marathon, one of the longest matches of her career. Trailing 1-3 in the second set and facing a match point, Fernandez dug deep, firing 12 aces and winning 7-6(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3). “It was definitely a tough match. It was a battle from beginning to end,” she reflected, crediting her ability to stay calm under pressure. “In important moments, I was able to pull through.” Earlier, she upset top seed Jessica Pegula in a three-set thriller and outlasted former doubles partner Taylor Townsend, showcasing her knack for grinding out wins. “I wasn’t telling myself much in that moment. Listen to my coach and execute. Don’t overthink too much,” she said, revealing the mindset that carried her through tense moments.
For Kalinskaya, the final was a missed opportunity to claim her first WTA title. The 26-year-old Russian, who reached finals in Dubai and Berlin in 2024, had a strong tournament, highlighted by a 6-4, 6-3 semifinal win over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu. “She’s a very fast player, so it’s going to be very intense rallies,” Kalinskaya had said of Fernandez before the match, anticipating the physical battle. Despite her 14 backhand winners against Raducanu and a 9-2 main-draw record in Washington, Kalinskaya struggled, winning just 17% of second-serve points against Fernandez’s onslaught. “I just hope I’m going to play great and I want to enjoy it,” she had added, but Fernandez’s dominance left little room for joy.
Fernandez’s victory was historic, making her the first Canadian woman to win the DC Open. It propelled her back into the WTA top 25, a significant leap from her No. 36 ranking entering the tournament. Her hard-court pedigree, where all four of her WTA titles have been won, was evident, with 94 aces in 2025 and a 61% win rate on pressure points. This triumph, her seventh career WTA final, ended a title drought since the 2023 Hong Kong Open and marked a high point after a 20-17 season record. Her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, has been instrumental, with “Hard work, fight” inscribed on her water bottle—a mantra that fueled her run. Post-match, Fernandez shared a heartfelt embrace with her father, a moment that resonated with fans.
Kalinskaya’s journey, though ending in defeat, showcased her potential. Her wins over Clara Tauson and Magda Linette en route to the final underscored her 53% hard-court win rate in 2025. Yet, her 0-3 record in tour-level finals remains a hurdle as she looks to Montreal for redemption. For Fernandez, the DC Open title is a springboard. With 10 wins in her last 11 matches, including a doubles title in Rotterdam and a final in Eastbourne, she’s peaking at the right time. “I’m just trying to get better every single day,” she said, a sentiment echoed by her coach.
The Washington crowd erupted as Fernandez lifted the trophy, her infectious energy sparking celebrations across Canada. As she prepares for Montreal, where she’ll compete on home soil, Fernandez’s commanding performance signals she’s ready to challenge the WTA’s elite and cement her place among tennis’ brightest stars.
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