Leylah Fernandez: Meet the Fil-Canadian DC Open champion
Leylah Fernandez, of Canada, returns the ball against Jessica Pegula during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Filipino Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez capped a statement week by dismantling Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, 6–1, 6–2, to win the 2025 Washington DC Open and clinch the fourth WTA singles title of her young career.
Fernandez’s triumph comes less than 24 hours after an impressive comeback in the semifinals against Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu.
Prior to that, she showcased her resilience and skill by defeating Australia’s Maya Joint in the Round of 32, the United States’ Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16 and Taylor Townsend in the quarterfinals.
View this post on Instagram
Fernandez’s Washington triumph now puts her at World No. 24.
Beyond her on-court achievements, many fans are curious about this rising tennis force who seems to glide across the court with ease and determination.
Who is Leylah Fernandez?
While her on-court dominance is undeniable, it’s the Montreal-born athlete’s story off the court that has drawn admiration.
Born to a multicultural family in Canada, her father Jorge Fernandez is an Ecuadorian Canadian and former professional soccer player, who also once coached her.
Her mother, Irene Fernandez, is Filipino Canadian. With both parents being Canadian citizens, Leylah carries the influence of both Latin American and Filipino cultures, a background she wears proudly.
Tennis also runs in the family. Her younger sister, Bianca Fernandez, is steadily rising on the WTA circuit as well. In 2023, Bianca reached a singles ranking of No. 606 and is currently ranked No. 189 in the world in doubles.
Leyla Fernandez’s ascent has not gone unnoticed in the global Filipino community, where she’s often celebrated not only for her talent but also for the values she embodies.
She’s no stranger to the spotlight. Fans still remember her achievements in the 2021 US Open final, but this win shows a renewed version of herself that is more focused, experienced and fearless.
Fernandez is not just the newest DC Open champion but also a proud daughter of two cultures, a sister, a fighter, and above all, a young woman whose best tennis is still ahead of her.
