“Without everyone’s sacrifices and support, I wouldn’t be on this stage”: Leylah Fernandez’s heartfelt words to her dad and team after Japan success

Leylah Fernandez once again showcased her trademark grit and grace as she lifted the Japan Open trophy in Tokyo. The 23-year-old Canadian captured her third WTA title after a hard-fought 6-0, 5-7, 6-3 victory over 18-year-old rising star Tereza Valentova, who was competing in her first professional final. The victory not only reaffirmed Fernandez’s consistency but also elevated her to World No. 22 — now Canada’s top-ranked player.

It was a week that perfectly encapsulated Fernandez’s fighting spirit. Along the road to the title, she overcame Hailey Baptiste (6-2, 7-5), Dalma Gálfi (6-1, 6-4), Rebecca Šrámková (7-6, 6-3), and Sorana Cîrstea (6-1, 2-6, 6-4) before sealing her triumph in an emotional final against the Czech teenager Valentova.

Following her win, Fernandez delivered a heartfelt speech that reflected both humility and gratitude. “First of all, congratulations Tereza, you played an amazing match. It’s a wonderful week for you, your coach, and your family. I’m sure I’ll see you in many more finals like this one,” she said, showing the same sportsmanship that has made her one of the tour’s most admired players.

Her message soon turned personal as she paid tribute to her support team. “I wanna thank my team — my dad, who’s over here and also my coach, and my hitting partner Federico. Thank you so much for suffering with me this week, this past month, and the past year,” she added with a smile, drawing warm applause from the Tokyo crowd.

Fernandez’s triumph in Japan marks another milestone in her career resurgence. Once seen as a teenage prodigy, the Canadian has spent the past two seasons rebuilding her confidence and refining her aggressive baseline game. Her latest title — earned through discipline, patience, and determination — sends a clear message to the rest of the WTA field: Fernandez is back among the elite, and her best tennis may still be ahead.

By climbing to World No. 22, Fernandez surpasses compatriot Victoria Mboko to reclaim her position as Canada’s No. 1. It’s a symbolic moment for the left-hander, who has endured injuries and inconsistency since her breakout 2021 US Open run. Now, her results across Asia show a renewed sense of purpose and tactical clarity — qualities that could propel her even further before the season’s end.

Throughout her journey, Fernandez has remained grounded in family values and hard work — a bond she emphasised once again in Tokyo. “I also wanna 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,” she said emotionally. The words revealed the depth of her gratitude and the collective effort behind her success.

Her father Jorge, a key figure in her development, continues to guide her career with a mix of discipline and inspiration. Together with her small but loyal team, Fernandez has built a strong foundation based on belief and resilience — traits that have become her competitive identity. Her Tokyo triumph felt as much theirs as it was hers.

There’s no time for rest as Fernandez now prepares to compete again in Japan — this time at the Tokyo Open. She’ll open her campaign against qualifier Maria Sakkari, a player she knows well. Their head-to-head stands at 3-1 in favour of Sakkari, but Fernandez will draw confidence from their most recent meeting at the China Open less than a month ago, where she claimed a commanding 6-2, 6-0 win in the first round. With her confidence soaring and her form peaking, Fernandez will look to carry the momentum from her Osaka Open triumph into Tokyo.