«Je ne serais pas ici sans vous»: Leylah Fernandez rafle le cinquième titre de sa carrière et livre un touchant discours

Leila Fernandez won her second title of the season on Sunday in Osaka, Japan, adding a fifth trophy to her list of achievements.

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The Quebec resident beat the young Czech Tereza Valentova, 18 and 78 years old.^e world player with scores of 6-0, 5-7 and 6-3 to win the WTA 250 title in 2 hours 11 minutes.

Thanks to this triumph, the one who took fourth place in Japan – and 27^e world at the start of the event – will rise five positions in the WTA rankings on Monday and return to 22nd place.^e level and once again become the highest-rated Canadian player, ahead of Victoria Mboko.

After highlighting her young opponent's great week on the microphone, Fernandez made a moving statement to her family in her post-match speech. Much like she did in July after getting her hands on the most important title of her career at the WTA 500 in Washington.

Photo by AFP

“I want to thank my family and those I love back home,” the Laval native said. I wouldn't be here without you.”

“Without your sacrifices and support, I would not be standing on this stage,” she continued. Thank you for all the love and motivation you give me.”

Photo by AFP

Strong start

Layla, 23, started the final match late Saturday night ET. It took her less than 30 minutes to serve the bagel to poor Valentina, who was playing in her first final on the circuit and seemed to be struggling to cope with her emotions at the big moment.

Photo by AFP

But the Czech skillfully fought back in the second round. She broke Fernandez late in the set and forced a deciding set.

However, the Quebecer did not flinch before the forced extra time, despite her right thigh being heavily taped. A backhand winner down the line allowed him to score the first break of the set for a 3–1 lead.

Valentova managed to get back to 4-3 and created several more break chances along the way. Leila closed the door until the end of the match and it was she who was able to enjoy the joy of victory.