In a dazzling display of skill and determination, 22-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez claimed the biggest title of her career on July 27, 2025, at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., defeating Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in a swift 70-minute final. The victory, her fourth career WTA singles title and first at the WTA 500 level, marked a triumphant return to form for the 2021 US Open finalist, who showcased her trademark grit and precision on the hard courts of the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. With this win, Fernandez not only ended a title drought since her 2023 Hong Kong Open triumph but also signaled her readiness for the upcoming US Open Series, including the National Bank Open in her home country of Canada.
Fernandez’s journey to the DC Open title was a testament to her resilience in the sweltering Washington heat. Her path included grueling battles against top-tier opponents, most notably a three-hour, 12-minute semifinal epic against 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina. Trailing 1-3 and facing a match point in the second set, Fernandez staged a dramatic comeback, winning 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3) with 12 aces and a 66% success rate on second-serve points. “It was definitely a tough match. It was a battle from beginning to end,” Fernandez said after the Rybakina clash. “In important moments, I was able to pull through.” Her ability to stay composed under pressure was evident earlier in the tournament as well, with a three-set upset over top seed Jessica Pegula and a hard-fought win against former doubles partner Taylor Townsend. “I wasn’t telling myself much in that moment. Listen to my coach and execute. Don’t overthink too much,” she added, reflecting on her mindset during critical moments.
The final against Kalinskaya, however, was a masterclass in dominance. Fernandez, ranked 36th in the world, wasted no time asserting control, breaking Kalinskaya’s serve early to claim a 3-1 lead in the first set. Her relentless baseline game and deft net play overwhelmed the 26-year-old Russian, who struggled to find answers, winning just 17% of points on her second serve. Fernandez sealed the first set in just 30 minutes with a perfectly executed drop shot, setting the tone for the match. “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 graciously said post-match, acknowledging Kalinskaya’s efforts. The second set followed a similar script, with Fernandez converting four of six break points and never dropping her own serve, securing the title with a commanding 6-2 scoreline.
Kalinskaya, ranked 48th, entered the final seeking her first WTA title after runner-up finishes in Dubai and Berlin in 2024. Her run in Washington was impressive, marked by a 9-2 main-draw record at the event and a straight-sets semifinal victory over 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 6-4, 6-3. “She’s a very fast player, so it’s going to be very intense rallies,” Kalinskaya had said of Fernandez before the final, anticipating the challenge. Despite her aggressive baseline game and 14 backhand winners against Raducanu, Kalinskaya couldn’t match Fernandez’s intensity, falling to 0-3 in tour-level finals. “I just hope I’m going to play great and I want to enjoy it,” she had added, but Fernandez’s flawless performance left little room for enjoyment.
Fernandez’s victory was a milestone in multiple ways. As the first Canadian woman to win the DC Open, she propelled herself back into the top 25 of the WTA rankings, a significant leap after entering the tournament with a 20-17 season record. Her hard-court prowess, where all four of her WTA titles have been won, was on full display, with 94 aces across the season and a 61% win rate on pressure points. The win also marked her seventh career WTA final, her first since a loss to Daria Kasatkina at Eastbourne in June 2024. “Hard work, fight,” read the message on her water bottle, a mantra instilled by her father and coach, Jorge Fernandez, which she credited for her success. After the match, she shared an emotional moment with her father in the stands, a nod to the support system that has guided her since her breakout US Open final run as a 19-year-old.
For Kalinskaya, the defeat was a setback but not without silver linings. Her Washington campaign, including wins over top-50 players like Clara Tauson and Magda Linette, showcased her potential on hard courts, where she boasts a 53% win rate in 2025. Her third career final appearance underscored her consistency, though the elusive first title remains a goal. Both players now turn their sights to the National Bank Open in Montreal, with Fernandez riding a wave of confidence and Kalinskaya aiming to regroup.
Fernandez’s triumph electrified the Washington crowd and sparked celebration among Canadian fans, with social media buzzing about her “flawless” performance. As she prepares for Montreal, where she’ll compete on home soil, Fernandez’s DC Open victory serves as a bold statement: the former US Open finalist is back, and she’s ready to contend with the best.
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