Four years ago, Leylah Fernandez took the tennis world by storm at the US Open. In Washington last week, she reminded everyone just how dangerous she can be.
The Canadian produced the most commanding title run of her career at the 2025 DC Open, demolishing Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2 in a final that lasted barely an hour. Along the way, she toppled world No. 5 Jessica Pegula and Ace Machine Elena Rybakina. More than the trophy, it was the manner of her victory—relentless, brave, and tactically astute—that caught the attention of players, pundits, and fans alike.
“She’s a tough kid… and she’s going to be a tough kid for a long time,” said journalist Matt Futterman on The Tennis Podcast.
Indeed, Fernandez didn’t just win. She reestablished her identity.
Beating the Odds, Again
At just 5’6″, Fernandez has never relied on overpowering serve or physical dominance. Her weapons are less obvious but no less lethal: impeccable timing, incredible defensive instincts, and unshakable nerve. Her Washington run displayed all of those traits in spades.
Jessica Pegula, known for her precision and consistency, was left scrambling as Fernandez broke rhythm and dictated tempo. Against Rybakina, a powerful baseliner, Fernandez stayed compact and absorbed pressure with poise.
“She just takes everything you give her and turns it into something more,” said co-host Matt Roberts. “You give Fernandez an inch, and she will take a mile.”
In an era increasingly defined by big serves and bigger groundstrokes, Fernandez is a reminder that resilience, anticipation, and game IQ still win matches.
The final against Kalinskaya was not just a coronation—it was a statement. Her angles, change of pace, and return quality dismantled the Russian’s power game. It was over before Kalinskaya could adjust.
This version of Fernandez is sharper, more seasoned, and more tactically nuanced than the teenager who made waves in 2021. Back then, her run to the US Open final was seen by many as a breakout, perhaps even a fluke. Now, it feels like something she can build on.
A Different Path Than Her Peers
Bianca Andreescu and Emma Raducanu were both mentioned alongside Fernandez during that famous North American swing in 2019 and 2021. But while injuries and off-court challenges have defined their journeys, Fernandez has quietly put together a steadier career arc.
“She’s been healthy. She’s been available,” said Roberts. “And now the tennis is catching up again.”
Unlike Raducanu, Fernandez has never completely disappeared from the radar. Nor has she been burdened by the pressure of being a Grand Slam champion like Andreescu. This has allowed her a kind of freedom—space to grow, struggle, and return on her own terms.
Podcast host Catherine Whitaker noted the emotional core of Fernandez’s game, calling her “one of those players who plays with heart in every point.” That passion is palpable, but it’s now balanced with maturity and discipline.
There’s also a team continuity that’s served her well. Her father Jorge Fernandez remains a central figure in her coaching setup, reinforcing the gritty, underdog mentality that has defined her tennis from day one.
“She doesn’t overcomplicate things,” observed Futterman. “She knows what she does well and sticks to it.”
Looking Ahead: Can She Do It Again?
The big question: Is Leylah Fernandez back for good?
With the US Open looming, the signs are promising. Her physical shape looks excellent. Her movement—so often a barometer of her confidence—is fluid and purposeful. She’s showing emotional control, often the hardest thing to master in second acts.
Fernandez’s playing style is built for hard courts, and her ability to stay composed in tight moments makes her a dangerous floater in any draw. Few top seeds will want to see her in the early rounds in New York.
And while the expectations are different now, the fire remains. The 2025 DC Open wasn’t just a feel-good comeback story—it was proof that Leylah Fernandez still belongs among the elite.
“If this is who she is going forward,” said Roberts, “she’s going to win a lot more than just this title.”