In a thrilling display of resilience and skill, Leylah Fernandez turned the tide in a nail-biting match, rallying from a late first-set deficit to defeat Rebecca Sramkova 7-6 (2), 6-3 at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Osaka. This hard-fought victory, secured in 1 hour and 34 minutes, propels Fernandez into the semifinals, where she’ll face either Viktorija Golubic or Sorana Cirstea. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Fernandez’s ability to stay composed under pressure was on full display, as she not only saved crucial break points but also dominated the tiebreak, showcasing her serving prowess. And this is the part most people miss: despite winning just three more total points than Sramkova (52-49), Fernandez’s strategic play and mental toughness proved decisive.
Fernandez’s post-match reflection sheds light on her mindset: “Breaking back in the first set gave me the momentum I needed for the tiebreaker. In the second set, I knew she’d come out strong, but staying positive and keeping the pressure on made all the difference—I truly enjoyed the battle.” This victory is particularly sweet, as it avenges her previous loss to Sramkova in Mexico in August, leveling their head-to-head record at 1-1.
But here’s the controversial part: while Fernandez’s fast starts have fueled her success—winning the opening set in five of her last six matches—her ability to close out matches after falling behind remains a topic of debate. With a 23-3 record this season when winning the first set, she’s undeniably dominant early on. Yet, her three losses, including one to Sramkova, raise questions: Can she consistently recover if her opponent gains the upper hand? Sramkova’s late surge in the second set, saving three match points, hinted at Fernandez’s vulnerability under pressure—though she ultimately sealed the win.
Looking ahead, Fernandez’s semifinal matchup could be a rematch with Golubic, whom she’s beaten twice before, or a first-time encounter with Cirstea. A win here would send her to her second final of the season, following her title in Washington, D.C., in July. Meanwhile, in other tournament news, Osaka withdrew from the Japan Open due to a left thigh injury, and Rybakina and Paolini continue their WTA Finals pushes in Ningbo.
Thought-provoking question for you: Do you think Fernandez’s reliance on fast starts could be her Achilles’ heel, or is her mental toughness enough to carry her through even the toughest battles? Let’s discuss in the comments!
