“I was a sore loser”: Leylah Fernandez celebrates her Singapore Open title with a brutally honest confession

Monday, 28 September 2026 at 04:30

Leylah Fernandez holding the trophy at Pan Pacific Open 2025.

Leylah Fernandez had already done the hard part by Sunday afternoon, winning the Singapore Open for the sixth title of her career and ending an almost year-long wait for another trophy. Hours after lifting the trophy, however, the Canadian offered a different perspective on the achievement, reflecting on the competitive personality that has shaped her career from childhood.

Fernandez's victory over Talia Gibson (7-5, 6-0) gave her the first title of her season and her second at WTA 500 level. The 24-year-old entered the tournament as a wildcard despite being the sixth seed, and her run also included a quarterfinal victory over top seed Mirra Andreeva.

The Singapore Open title also brought a significant ranking change for Fernandez. The world No. 31 will climb to No. 26 on Monday, while becoming Canada's No. 2 behind Victoria Mboko, who remains sidelined with an injury.

It is another step forward for Fernandez after a season in which she had been searching for the consistency needed to return to the winner's circle. Her first championship since the Japan Open in Osaka in October 2025 provided the backdrop for a much more personal discussion in her post-match press conference.

Fernandez's competitive side goes back to childhood

Fernandez was asked about one of the hardest parts of professional tennis: accepting that losing is inevitable. Her answer showed just how deeply that struggle has been connected to her personality, while also explaining how she has learned to turn the frustration into motivation.

“Growing up, it has never been easy. I was actually a crybaby growing up,” Fernandez said in press conference. “Every time I thought I would lose, I just didn't like it. I was a sore loser. Even now, I'm a little bit of a sore loser, but that also drives my competitiveness.”

The Canadian has gradually learned to use that competitiveness differently. Instead of trying to forget defeats, she now treats them as information, something that can expose weaknesses and provide another reason to return to the practice court.

“Not to forget the losses, but to use it as fuel to keep training and to get back on court,” she said. “For me, it's that every loss is a learning lesson. Every win is also a learning lesson.”

That approach has been particularly relevant during a season in which Fernandez had to wait until Singapore for her first title. The result also came after a demanding week in which she had to overcome the top seed before reaching the final and eventually claiming the trophy.

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“The very next day, you start from zero”

Fernandez also explained the philosophy that has helped her maintain perspective after both victories and defeats, crediting her father with giving her a simple principle that has remained relevant throughout her career.

“If you win a match because of you, you lose a match because of you,” Fernandez recalled. “The very next day, you start from zero. Nobody is going to remember the ranking. They're just going to remember the hard work that you put in that day.”

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That message takes on particular significance now that Fernandez is set to return to the world's top 30. Her Singapore Open title has lifted her to No. 26, but she insists that the number beside her name should not change the way she approaches her work.

“The very next day, they're going to forget about it. You've just got to start from zero, work hard, and show that same grit and determination,” she added. "Those are the wise words of my dad. That has stayed true up until now, and I'm sure it's going to stay true forever. For myself, when I lose, I use it as fuel."

Yet the emotional side of winning was very different. After finally crossing the finish line in Singapore, Fernandez described the immediate feeling not in terms of rankings or career progression, but with two simple words: “Pure ecstasy."

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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