Leylah Fernandez has won the biggest title of her career after defeating Anna Kalinskaya in the Washington Open final.
Fernandez dominated Kalinskaya in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, to hoist her fourth title, and first WTA 500 crown.
The Canadian has enjoyed an impressive week in the American capital, earning victories over Elena Rybakina and Jessica Pegula en route to the final.
After displaying the sort of tennis that saw her reach the US Open final in 2021, CoCo Vandeweghe and Steve Johnson think Fernandez can build on her Washington triumph later this summer.
CoCo Vandeweghe and Steve Johnson react to Leylah Fernandez’s triumph in D.C.
Giving her analysis on the ‘Tennis Channel Live Podcast’, Vandeweghe said: “I think it just leads to more victories. I think she is a threat at the US Open. You are always going to play well where you have had success.”
Steve Johnson replied: “I see big things. Whenever you can get a title on a hard court leading up into a Grand Slam, whatever surface it may be, especially now going home.
“Some players have a hard time playing at home with the crowds and the pressure and all that.
“I think she is going to be doing just fine up there, she has held the Canadian flag for a few years, making the US Open final that young.
“She has dealt with all that pressure, her tennis is there. If her serve and her backhand is playing like it is today I think she is an absolute threat for the rest of the summer and leading up to the US Open.”
Leylah Fernandez’s impressive run to the 2021 US Open final
Fernandez recorded her best finish at a Grand Slam in 2021 at the US Open, when she made her first major final.
She earned two comfortable victories in the opening rounds at Flushing Meadows that year, before defeating the defending champion, Naomi Osaka, in round three.
| Round | Opponent |
|---|---|
| Final | Emma Raducanu (L) |
| Semi-Final | Aryna Sabalenka (W) |
| Quarter-Final | Elina Svitolina (W) |
| Fourth Round | Angelique Kerber (W) |
| Third Round | Naomi Osaka (W) |
| Second Round | Kaia Kanepi (W) |
| First Round | Ana Konjuh (W) |
In the fourth round, Fernandez beat the 2016 US Open champion Angelique Kerber and then knocked out fifth seed Elina Svitolina.
Her semi-final opponent came in the form of Aryna Sabalenka, whom she was able to best in three sets to reach the championship match.
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