Japan Open Round-Up | Leylah Fernandez wins fifth WTA career title, defeats 18-year-old talent Tereza Valentova

Leylah Fernandez is the champion at the Japan Open in Osaka seeing off 18-year-old talent Tereza Valentova in three sets in the final 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 in two hours and 11 minutes. It was Valentova's first ever final but it was experience that won the day in Japan.

Fernandez won the first seven games of the match en route to capturing the title in a dominant run to start proceedings off before Valentova came back. Albeit as ever with Fernandez it was a run of fits and starts as back in July when she won Washington, she was imperious but she never quite kicked on as it was only the second time since then that she won back-to-back matches.

With the win, Fernandez climbed up five spots to World No.22 in the WTA Rankings and reclaims the Canadian No.1 spot from Victoria Mboko who has barely won a game since she won the Canadian Open earlier this summer.

Opening with real confidence, she needed less than 30 minutes to race through the opening set and bagel the young Czech. Valentova seemed to see the final get to her as she appeared emotional after going 5-0 down. But she regrouped and amid the barrage from Fernandez played a lot freer. She broke three times and consolidated in the final game to force a decider. In the third set and leading 2-1 she pounced on a poor second serve from Valentova on break point to hit a backhand followed by a down-the-line backhand winner to break for 3-1.

Valentova responded with one more break to close the gap to 4-3 and earned break points across the third set but Fernandez held firm for the rest of the way sealing the win.

“First of all, congratulations Tereza,” Fernandez said during the trophy presentation. “You played amazing, and it’s been a wonderful week for you, your coach and your family. I’m sure I’m going to see you in many more finals like this one.”

“Finally, I want to thank my team and my dad, who’s also my coach, and my hitting partner,” she said. “Thank you so much for suffering with me this past week, past month and past year. I also want to thank my family and loved ones back home. Without you, I wouldn’t be here. Without everyone’s sacrifices and support, I wouldn’t be on this stage, so thank you so much for all the love and motivation you’ve given me.”

“I also want to thank the fans,” Fernandez said. “For coming this week, for supporting us -- not only myself but every player in this tournament. Without you, we wouldn’t be here, so thank you so much for supporting us, motivating us and bringing the good energy.”

Valentova can be proud as she came through qualifying earning six wins this week including three over top 50 opponents that included Elise Mertens in the second round and Alexandra Eala. She saw off Olga Danilovic and Jaquline Cristian late into the tournament too and ascends towards the top 50 tomorrow.