“I just have to trust that my strength is better than hers”: Leylah Fernandez sends message ahead of Rybakina rematch

Friday, 30 October 2026 at 06:30

Leylah Fernandez will face Elena Rybakina again in Tokyo, just days after losing to the Kazakh in the Ningbo Open final. The Canadian booked her place in the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals with a 6-2, 7-6(8) win over Elise Mertens.

Rybakina also advanced with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Yulia Putintseva, a result that confirmed her as the year-end WTA world No. 1. The top seed arrives in Tokyo after winning her fourth title of the season in Ningbo, where she defeated Fernandez 6-2, 6-2.

The result extended Rybakina's winning streak against Fernandez to three matches. The Canadian will therefore have another opportunity to find a solution against an opponent whose powerful serve and groundstrokes have repeatedly troubled her.

After beating Mertens, Fernandez discussed her aggressive playing style, the importance of adapting during rallies and the confidence she has gained from her work with her team. Her comments also offered an insight into the approach she intends to take into the rematch.

Fernandez explains her aggressive approach against Rybakina

Fernandez was pleased with her performance against Mertens, particularly her ability to remain composed after allowing the Belgian back into the second set. “I'm just very happy, proud with myself, how tough I stayed and just played point, point, point," the former US Open runner-up said.

That mentality is particularly important against Rybakina, whose ability to dictate from the baseline can leave opponents with little time to recover. “My game and my style is to take time away from my opponents, so from the very get-go, the start of the point, we always try to be in that offensive position,"

Elena Rybakina hitting a forehand at 2026 US Open final

"But if I do feel like I've mishit a ball or I didn't hit it as cleanly as I would want to, I've learned how to manage it to keep in a neutral position or needing to defend and counter-attack, so it was just a lot of practice and, you know, feeling how the game is evolving around me, how the point is evolving and just trusting the training that I've been doing.”

The Canadian also acknowledged the difficulty of making those decisions during fast exchanges.

“I think it's tough because when you're playing the point, everything is so quick, it's a fraction of seconds, so in that moment, I just trust myself completely, trust in the training, but obviously, between points, that's when I'm thinking, okay, what can I have done better in that point so I could either end it earlier or so I can not give her the chance to get back on the point,"

"But as I said earlier, first and foremost, my game is to be offensive and aggressive and if it is to hit hard and it is to her strength, like, I just have to trust that my strength is better than hers in that day.”

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Fernandez credits team and training for Asian swing form

Fernandez's recent results have provided encouragement after a long season. She won the Singapore Open before reaching the final in Ningbo, and she believes the consistency of her performances reflects the work she has put in throughout the year.

The 23-year-old specifically highlighted the support of her team and mental coach, explaining that the conversations they have had have helped her maintain confidence and momentum during the Asian swing.

“It has been a long season and to start off the Asian swing very well and to continue on with that momentum," the former world No. 13 added. "It feels good because that means that all the training that I've been doing all year round is working, the mental talks that I've had with my team, with my mental coach too is working.

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"So just got to keep going with that rhythm, with the good vibes and hopefully we can finish the year stronger.”

Fernandez will now attempt to turn that confidence into a different result against Rybakina. The Kazakh has won their last three meetings, including the recent Ningbo final, but the Canadian has made clear that she will not abandon her attacking instincts. The winner in Tokyo will advance to the semi-finals to face either Maya Joint or Kamilla Rakhimova.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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