Leylah Fernandez Triumphs Over Anna Kalinskaya to Claim Citi Open Title

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Leylah Fernandez, a 22-year-old tennis player from Montreal, Quebec, defeated Anna Kalinskaya of Russia with a decisive score of 6-1, 6-2, to secure the Citi Open title in Washington, D.C. on July 27, 2025. This victory marks Fernandez's first triumph at a WTA 500 event and her fourth career singles title, all of which have been won on hard courts.

Fernandez, currently ranked 36th in the world, demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the tournament, culminating in her most lopsided victory in the final match. Prior to her win against Kalinskaya, Fernandez had faced formidable opponents, including top-seeded Jessica Pegula, the U.S. Open runner-up from the previous year, and No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Her semifinal match against Rybakina was particularly grueling, extending over three hours and requiring three tiebreakers to determine the winner.

Kalinskaya, who was ranked 48th and had not lost a set leading up to the final, struggled to maintain her momentum against Fernandez. The match lasted just 1 hour and 10 minutes, with Fernandez saving the only two break points she faced and breaking Kalinskaya’s serve four times. Notably, she dominated second serves, winning 10 out of 12 points in that category.

This victory comes as a significant milestone for Fernandez, who had entered the tournament with a disappointing record this season. Her last title was at the Hong Kong Open in October 2023, and since then, she had struggled to find her form, not winning more than two matches at a single tournament since November. Fernandez's performance at the Citi Open reflects a resurgence as she aims to reclaim her place among the top players in women's tennis.

"Winning this title is incredibly special for me, especially after the challenges I've faced this year," Fernandez commented in a post-match interview. "I feel like I’m finally finding my rhythm again, and I’m excited to continue competing."

Kalinskaya's defeat marks her third loss in tour-level finals, having previously lost to Jasmine Paolini in Dubai and Jessica Pegula in Berlin. Despite her strong tournament showing, she will need to regroup and refine her approach for future competitions.

Looking ahead, Fernandez is set to compete again on Monday at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, where she will face Australia's Maya Joint in the first round. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Fernandez can maintain her momentum and build on her recent success as she continues her ascent in the world of tennis. The National Bank Open will feature a host of top talents, providing a platform for further exciting matches in the coming days.

This Citi Open title is not just a personal victory for Fernandez but also a significant moment for Canadian tennis, highlighting the growing presence of Canadian players on the international stage. As she prepares for her next match, the tennis community remains optimistic about her potential and future achievements.