Leylah Fernandez is making waves once again after her impressive victory in Osaka last week, positioning herself as a significant contender in the WTA Finals landscape. The 23-year-old Canadian athlete pulled off a remarkable comeback in her match against Maria Sakkari, rallying from a seemingly hopeless situation to secure her place in the last 16 of the Japan Open.
Fernandez initially faced a tough battle in the first set against the Greek player. However, she showcased her determination by stringing together four consecutive games, ultimately taking the set to a tie-breaker which she clinched. This steady performance is a reminder of her remarkable run to the US Open final in 2021, although she acknowledges that she hasn’t quite reached that pinnacle since then.
Her recent victory has reignited hopes that she could push further in her career and presents a promising opportunity in her next match in Japan. Fernandez’s upcoming challenge will be against Elena Rybakina, the recent champion of the Ningbo Open. Rybakina’s win has bolstered her ranking, and now she aims to defeat Fernandez and win again to potentially unseat Mirra Andreeva from the WTA Finals.
While Fernandez possesses the skill to overcome Rybakina, a pressing concern remains from her match against Sakkari. She recorded an alarming 30 unforced errors in the first set alone. Although she addressed this issue in the second set, such mistakes could be detrimental when facing a player with Rybakina’s current form.
Despite some setbacks in Grand Slam tournaments, Fernandez’s capabilities are undeniable. With five career titles already under her belt and still relatively early in her professional journey, she has ample opportunity to strive for more significant achievements. Improving her ranking from number 22 will be crucial, as will addressing the unforced errors that have crept into her game.
With the guidance of her long-time coach Jorge Fernandez, there is optimism that she can fine-tune her performance. If she successfully navigates her next match against Rybakina, it would not only be a significant victory but also a clear indication of her potential to achieve greater heights in her tennis career. Excitement surrounds Fernandez as she prepares for a highly anticipated showdown in Japan.