Leylah Annie Fernandez didn’t hold back when asked about her season leading up to the DC Open. “It’s been pretty shit, to be honest,” she said with a laugh, acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of a year filled with setbacks. The Canadian star had endured early exits, nagging injuries, and personal challenges that made it difficult to stay focused on the court. Her candid admission struck a chord with fans who had watched her struggle to recapture the form that once took her to a Grand Slam final.

Personal Challenges Behind the Scenes

Fernandez revealed that her family had faced unexpected health issues, including hospital visits that weighed heavily on her mind. These moments made it hard to disconnect from her emotions and concentrate on tennis. She credited her mother and older sister for being pillars of strength during a turbulent time, and dedicated her DC Open victory to them and her fitness trainer, Abdul Sillah, for their unwavering support.

Rediscovering Joy and Rhythm

After a second-round loss at Wimbledon, Fernandez and her team decided to shift gears. She trained less, took a short break, and focused on rediscovering her love for the game. That reset proved crucial. In Washington, she found herself surrounded by a supportive environment, sharing meals with fellow Canadian players and enjoying the atmosphere. On court, she played with freedom and confidence, culminating in her most dominant performance of the year.

A Career-Defining Victory

Fernandez’s run at the DC Open was nothing short of remarkable. She defeated top seed Jessica Pegula, battled through a grueling semifinal against Elena Rybakina, and crushed Anna Kalinskaya in the final to claim her first WTA 500 title. The win marked her fourth career singles title and her biggest yet, ending an 18-month drought and injecting fresh momentum into her season.

Looking Ahead with Renewed Focus

Now back in her hometown of Montreal for the National Bank Open, Fernandez is hoping to build on her success. She’s clear-minded, emotionally grounded, and ready to compete in front of a home crowd. The struggles of 2025 may have tested her resilience, but they also helped her grow. With her confidence restored and her support system intact, Fernandez is poised to make the second half of the season her strongest yet.

Leylah Annie Fernandez in 2025

Ranked world no.24, the Canadian played her last match on the 27^th of July when she defeated world no.31 Anna Kalinskaya 6-1 6-2 in the final in Washington to win her 4^th career title.

At present, during this year Fernandez achieved a compiled 21-17 match record. The Canadian has won 1 title in Washington.