Canada's Leylah Fernandez reacts to her win against Romania's Sorana Cirstea during their women's singles semi-final match at the Japan Open tennis tournament in Osaka on October 18, 2025. (Photo by PAUL MILLER / AFP)
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.
ASICS, the global Japanese sportswear brand, has announced its partnership as the Official Sports Goods…
Ruturaj Gaikwad has been appointed captain of the West Zone squad for the 2026-27 Duleep…
PV Sindhu will lead India’s challenge at the China Open 2026, a BWF Super 1000…
Ashutosh Sharma has signed with Hampshire for the upcoming men’s One-Day Cup, marking his first…
Australia have announced a 13-man squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh in August, with…
Spain were crowned FIFA World Cup 2026 champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a gripping final…