Leylah Fernandez showcased her skill, stamina, and composure on a hot Washington day as she clinched the biggest title of her career at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open. In just 70 minutes, the 22-year-old Canadian dazzled with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, capturing her first-ever WTA 500 crown and her fourth career WTA singles title overall.
A Dominant Performance in the Capital
From the opening set, Fernandez took control, immediately putting pressure on Kalinskaya’s serve and rallying with striking groundstrokes and an electrifying backhand. Despite a brief rain delay earlier in the day, Fernandez’s focus never wavered as she adapted seamlessly to the demanding humidity and the challenging hard-court conditions at Rock Creek Park.
Match Highlights:
Early Dominance: Fernandez broke Kalinskaya’s serve twice in the opening set, capitalizing on a double fault and delivering aggressive returns.
Flawless First Set: The Canadian wrapped the opening set in under 30 minutes with a solid 6-1 scoreline, leaving Kalinskaya struggling to find any rhythm.
Second Set Control: Kalinskaya faced physical challenges under the oppressive Washington heat, allowing Fernandez to maintain her momentum and break serve twice again, closing the match 6-2.
Efficiency: Fernandez lost just a handful of points on serve and moved fluidly around the court, showcasing a perfect balance of aggression and patience.
Leylah’s Road to the Title
The title at DC Open marks a resurgence for Fernandez after nearly two years without a tournament win. The journey to the final was packed with demanding matches:
- Overcame Australia’s Maya Joint in the round of 32.
- Defeated No. 1 seed Jessica Pegula, last year’s US Open runner-up, in a thrilling three-set battle lasting over two hours.
- Outlasted former doubles partner and close friend Taylor Townsend after a grueling two-hour match in the quarterfinals.
- Clinched a marathon semifinal win in a three-tiebreaker struggle against No. 3 seed and 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina — a match lasting over three hours.
- This endurance and mental toughness carried her flawlessly into the final against Kalinskaya.
What This Title Means for Fernandez
Fourth Career Title: This victory adds to Fernandez’s previous wins at the Monterrey Open (2021, 2022) and Hong Kong Open (2023).
First WTA 500 Crown: A milestone event in her career, stepping up from smaller tournaments to claim a prestigious title with big ranking points.
Confidence Builder: The win sets a promising trajectory leading into the hard-court summer, including the upcoming Canadian Open and the US Open later this year.
Style on Display: Fernandez’s left-handed play, exceptional returns, and fearless baseline game shone throughout.
Anna Kalinskaya’s Performance
While Kalinskaya couldn’t find her best form and seemed affected by physical fatigue, her path to the final was impressive. The Russian, ranked 48th globally, upset top players like Emma Raducanu in the semifinals and fought hard, but simply couldn’t counter Fernandez’s relentless aggression on the big stage.
FAQs: Leylah Fernandez’s DC Open Triumph
1. What was the final score of the DC Open final?
Leylah Fernandez defeated Anna Kalinskaya 6-1, 6-2.
2. How long did the final match last?
The match lasted approximately 70 minutes.
3. How many WTA titles has Leylah Fernandez won now?
This is Fernandez’s fourth WTA singles title and her first at a WTA 500-level event.
4. Who did Fernandez defeat en route to the final?
She defeated Maya Joint, Jessica Pegula, Taylor Townsend, and Elena Rybakina before meeting Kalinskaya.
5. What’s next for Leylah Fernandez after this win?
Fernandez will be competing in the Canadian Open soon and aims to build momentum for the US Open.
Conclusion
Leylah Fernandez’s commanding victory at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open is a testament to her growing maturity, resilience, and talent on the WTA tour. Against Anna Kalinskaya, she controlled every aspect of the match with clinical precision, solidifying her status as one of the rising stars in women’s tennis. As she looks ahead to home tournaments and the upcoming US Open, Fernandez’s DC Open title provides a springboard for continued success and thrilling tennis moments ahead.
