Fernandez Stuns Kalinskaya to Capture Biggest Career Title at DC Open, Falls One Step Short of Raducanu Rematch

Leylah Fernandez captured the biggest title of her career at the 2025 DC Open on Sunday with a dominant 6–1, 6–2 victory over Anna Kalinskaya. The 22-year-old Canadian needed just 70 minutes to secure her fourth career WTA singles title and her first at a WTA 500 event—marking a significant breakthrough in what had been a turbulent season.

Fernandez’s clinical performance ended Kalinskaya’s dream run in Washington, which had included a straight-sets win over Emma Raducanu in the semi-finals. That result denied fans a highly anticipated rematch of the dramatic 2021 US Open final between Fernandez and Raducanu. But in the end, Fernandez didn’t need that storyline to shine—she created one of her own.

After early-season struggles, Fernandez finds her form

Entering Washington with a losing record in 2025 and no tournament run longer than two matches since November, Fernandez arrived under the radar. But she quickly reasserted herself with inspired play, mixing aggressive baseline hitting with tactical variety and strong court coverage.

Her path to the title was anything but easy. Along the way, she ousted top-seeded Jessica Pegula, the 2023 US Open finalist, and third seed Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The latter match—a grueling semi-final that featured three tiebreaks and lasted over three hours—was a test of mental and physical endurance that Fernandez passed with flying colors.

That win alone reaffirmed Fernandez’s credentials as a big-match competitor. And by backing it up in the final with a dominant straight-sets performance, she proved that her resurgence is more than just a fleeting moment.

Kalinskaya falters under pressure in her third final

Kalinskaya, ranked No. 48, had not dropped a set en route to her third career WTA final. But she was unable to find her rhythm on the biggest stage. Fernandez immediately took control of the rallies, broke serve four times, and won 10 of 12 points on Kalinskaya’s second serve.

The Russian finished with 24 unforced errors to just 9 winners and never managed to apply sustained pressure on Fernandez’s service games. It marked another missed opportunity for Kalinskaya, who is now 0–3 in WTA finals following previous losses in Dubai and Berlin last year.

Despite the disappointment, she showed grace in defeat.

“Amazing fight this week,” Kalinskaya said to Fernandez during the trophy ceremony.

“You truly deserve it.”

A win grounded in family, grit, and growth

Following the win, Fernandez delivered an emotional speech, dedicating her victory to her mother, older sister, and fitness trainer. It was a heartfelt moment that highlighted the support system behind her resurgence.

“Thank you so much for never giving up on me—and don’t give up on yourselves,” she said, holding back tears.

“This trophy is for you guys.”

The win meant more than just silverware or ranking points. For a player who has faced injuries, inconsistency, and questions about her development since that US Open final appearance four years ago, this title symbolizes both resilience and evolution.

Momentum builds heading into the US Open series

The DC Open title could mark a turning point for Fernandez as she heads into the North American hardcourt stretch. With confidence restored and match fitness at a peak, she’ll be a dangerous presence at upcoming WTA 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati—and potentially a serious threat at the US Open.

While fans were deprived of a Fernandez-Raducanu sequel this time, the Canadian’s performance in Washington suggested that more marquee matchups are ahead. If Fernandez maintains this level, a second Grand Slam final—or even a title—might not be far off.

As for Kalinskaya, the loss will sting, but her overall level throughout the tournament was a positive sign. She remains one of the more intriguing players outside the top 30 and may yet find her breakthrough moment.