Leylah Fernandez, the No. 4 seed, demonstrated her resilience and determination in a thrilling match at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open in Osaka. She battled past Rebecca Sramkova, overcoming a late first-set deficit to secure a 7-6 (2), 6-3 victory in 1 hour and 34 minutes. This win propels Fernandez into the semifinals, where she will face either Viktorija Golubic or Sorana Cirstea.
Fernandez's performance was a testament to her ability to turn the tide in high-pressure situations. She trailed by a break late in the first set but broke back to force a tiebreak, which she won decisively. The momentum shift was evident as she fell behind again early in the second set, down 2-0, but responded by winning four straight games to take control. Her positive mindset and determination to stay in the fight were on full display.
The match showcased the importance of serving prowess. Fernandez won just three more total points than Sramkova (52-49), with both players refusing to give up many points on serve, especially in the first set. Fernandez saved a break point in the opening game and didn't face another until 5-5. Though she was broken then, she immediately broke back to force the tiebreak, where she came from a mini-break down to win it and further showcased her serving prowess. She landed 68% of her first serves and won 67% of those points in the first set, while also winning 54% of second-serve points and facing only two break points.
Fernandez's fast starts have become a hallmark of her success. She has now won the opening set in five of her past six matches, including all three in Osaka. Her 23-3 record this season when winning the first set is a testament to her consistency and ability to close out matches in straight sets. One of those three losses came against Sramkova in Mexico in August, and on Friday, Sramkova again threatened a comeback, saving three match points while trailing 5-3 in the second set, but Fernandez sealed the win with one final break.
Looking ahead, Fernandez will next face either Golubic, whom she has defeated twice, or Cirstea, who would be a first-time foe. A win in the semifinals would send Fernandez to her second final of the season and first since capturing the title in Washington, D.C., in July. This match will be a test of her ability to maintain her winning streak and secure a spot in the final.
