Leylah Annie Fernandez is into her second semifinal of 2025 after the Canadian defeated world No. 65 Rebecca Sramkova 7-6(2), 6-3 at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Osaka on Friday.
The world No. 27’s only other semifinal appearance of the year was in Washington, where she was the eventual champion.
Despite getting broken twice in the match, Fernandez didn’t allow Sramkova to build off those opportunities as the Canuck broke back on each occasion. Fernandez held nine break points and converted on four, including one to seal her spot into the last four in Osaka.
The 23-year-old from Laval managed to fend off a break point in the opening game of the contest to hold but was later unable to string together many points on Sramkova’s serve. The Slovak dropped just three points in as many service games as the set was level at 3-3.
In the 11th game, Fernandez fell in a 15-40 hole and was broken, allowing Sramkova to serve for the opener. Undeterred, the Canadian No. 2 sprung to a 15-40 advantage herself in the following game and sent the set to a tiebreak thanks to a fortunate net cord.
Fernandez managed four-straight mini-breaks to take a comfortable 5-2 lead and have the chance to serve out the set. The Lavalloise won both points on serve to take the opener.
Sramkova had an ideal response to begin the second set, going up 2-0 after a break in the second game. However, Fernandez soon took control, breaking the Slovak in her next two service games. The Canadian served a love hold and led 4-2.
Fernandez carried that strong returning over into the ninth game, where the 23-year-old had two chances to close out the match at 5-3, 15-40. Sramkova saved both but third time was the charm for Fernandez as her opponent’s forehand landed long on match point to seal the quarter-final tilt.
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The Canuck will meet world No. 51 Sorana Cirstea in the semifinal later Friday.
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
