After winning the 2025 Japan Women’s Open title, Leylah Fernandez expressed her gratitude towards her father, Jorge, her hitting partner, and her entire team. She also acknowledged her family back home, who were unable to attend the tournament. This victory marked the Canadian’s second WTA Tour singles title of the year and her fifth overall.
In the lead-up to the ATP 250 hard-court tournament in Osaka, Fernandez competed at the 2025 Wuhan Open, where she lost in the second round to Naomi Osaka.
What Did Leylah Fernandez Say After Winning the 2025 Japan Women’s Open?
Seeded fourth at the 2025 Japan Women’s Open, Fernandez began her campaign by defeating Hailey Baptiste with a scoreline of 6-2, 7-5, followed by a victory over qualifier Dalma Gálfi, winning 6-1, 6-4 in the first and second rounds, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, the former World No. 1 triumphed over Rebecca Šramková with a score of 7-6(2), 6-3. She secured her place in the final by eliminating Sorana Cîrstea with a score of 6-1, 2-6, 6-4 in the semifinals.
In the championship match, Fernandez defeated qualifier Tereza Valentová with a score of 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 to win the 2025 Japan Women’s Open.
During her winner’s speech, Fernandez congratulated her opponent, Valentová, for her performance throughout the tournament, as well as the Czech’s team and family.
“Congratulations Tereza. You played amazing. Wonderful week to you, your coach, and your family. I’m sure I’m gonna see you in many more finals like this one,” Fernandez said.
The Canadian also thanked the fans who came out to support her, mentioning that their presence and “good energy” motivated her and all the players who competed in the WTA 250 tournament.
“I wanna thank the fans for coming and supporting us this week. Not only myself, but every player that played this tournament. Without you we wouldn’t be here. Thank you so much for supporting us, motivating us, and bringing the good energy,” she continued.
Fernandez also expressed her gratitude to her team, including her father Jorge, who is also her coach, and her hitting partner, Federico Salomone, for their support and dedication throughout the week in Osaka and the year as a whole.
The Canadian also thanked her family and loved ones back home, stating that without their “love,” “motivation,” “sacrifices,” and “support,” she wouldn’t be where she is now in her career.
“Finally, I wanna thank my team. My dad who’s over here who’s also my coach, my hitting partner Federico.. thank you so much for suffering with me this week, this past month, and past year.. I also wanna thank my family and loved ones back home. Without you I wouldn’t be here.. without everyone’s sacrifices and support, I wouldn’t be on this stage. Thank you so much for all the love and the motivation that you’ve given me,” Fernandez added.
Looking ahead, Fernandez is next expected to compete at the 2025 Toray Pan Pacific Open, scheduled to take place from October 20 to October 26, 2025, at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan.
AloJapan.com