Leylah Fernandez captured her maiden Japan Open crown on Sunday, defeating 18-year-old qualifier Tereza Valentova 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 in a two-hour, 11-minute battle. The No. 4 seed claimed her fifth career title—and second of 2025—all on hard courts.
Fernandez dominated early, bageling Valentova in the opening set, but the Czech teenager rallied in the second before the Canadian’s composure sealed the decider.
With this victory, Fernandez climbed five spots to No. 22 in the WTA Live Rankings, reclaiming the Canadian No. 1 position from Victoria Mboko. The Osaka triumph marked her second tournament win this season.