Leylah Fernandez is the Washington Open champion after she dispatched Anna Kalinskaya in convincing fashion.
Fernandez was simply brilliant during the match, waltzing to a 6-1 6-2 victory against the Russian star.
The Canadian has secured her fourth ATP Tour title; her first since the 2023 Hong Kong Open. She was fully deserving of the victory, winning a remarkable 67 per cent of her second serve points throughout the contest.
Fernandez, who joined Alex de Minaur as the other singles draw winner in Washington, recently revealed that she considered taking a break from tennis.
Her decision to remain on the WTA Tour looks to be one that has been validated.
Leylah Fernandez ‘kept believing’
Speaking to the media after her victory over Kalinskaya, Fernandez was asked about a conversation between the Canadian 22-year-old and her dad after Wimbledon: a conversation to discuss a potential break from tennis.
Ultimately, Fernandez decided against taking a break, and she described her happiness regarding the decision she made.
Fernandez said: “Yeah, the funny part was that conversation was a two-minute conversation. It wasn’t like that big of a deal.
“But we did ask the questions. For me at that time, I was, like, No, I can’t stop. Yeah, it’s tough to lose and going through that little rut, but I just want to keep competing, keep playing, and put on a good show for the fans. You know, one of these days, results are going to come in.
“I kept believing in it. But to happen so quickly, it feels very, very good. I’m very happy that I decided, that we both decided to keep going in this crazy adventure and to never give up.
“I think getting this trophy means a lot to not only myself but to everyone in my team and family.”
Leylah Fernandez rises 12 places to world number 24
With her victory over Anna Kalinskaya, Leylah Fernandez moved 12 places up the WTA Tour rankings.
Now number 24 in the world, the Canadian has set herself up well for the rest of the American hard-court swing and could secure a strong seeding position when the US Open starts on August 24.
Fernandez, who had an agreement with Alejandro Davidovich Fokina before winning the Washington Open title, is set to play Maya Joint in the first round of the Canadian Open.
Fernandez beat Joint in their first round match in Washington, triumphing 6-3 6-3.
