Leylah Fernandez posts heartfelt message on social media after winning the Japan Open

Leylah Fernandez has won her second title of the season at the WTA 250 tournament in Osaka, Japan.

Fernandez lifted the Washington Open title back in July, which was her biggest career title to date.

Despite this, the Canadian had failed to win more than two matches in a row since then, but returned to form in Osaka and reached the final, where she would play rising teenage prospect Tereza Valentova.

Experience would show in the final, as Fernandez beat Valentova to win the Japan Open, and she has now reflected on her victory on social media.

Leylah Fernandez posts first message on social media after winning Japan Open

The Japan Open is the fifth WTA singles title of Fernandez’s career, all of which have come on hard courts.

Fernandez was very complimentary towards Valentova in her on-court speech after the match, and she has continued this sentiment in her post on Instagram.

“Title No.5 (followed by a series of emojis),” wrote Fernandez. “Osaka, I love you!!!!! I’m so grateful for this week at the @kinoshitagroupjapanopen – the fans, the place, the team, the facility, the food, everything was so special. Arigatō.”

“I also want to thank my team and family back home who have been cheering me on from afar all week. You guys are the best and I wouldn’t be doing this without you!!

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“A big congrats to my opponent @tery.valentova and her team for a great run this week – I know I’ll see a lot more of you! Future is bright! To more, let’s keep the work going”

It appears that the warm feeling between the players is reciprocated, with Valentova congratulating Fernandez in the comments of this post, simply writing, “Well deserved Leylah!!”

Billie Jean King and Bianca Andreescu send messages to Leylah Fernandez

There has been a warm reception to Fernandez winning the Japan Open title, and it was not just Valentova who congratulated the former US Open finalist.

Leading the tributes for Fernandez was 12-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King, who sent a message on social media.

King wrote on Instagram, “Congratulations, @leylahannietennis!”

King was not the only Grand Slam champion who wished Fernandez well, with former US Open winner Bianca Andreescu sending a message to her compatriot.

Andreescu wrote in the comments on Fernandez’s post, “Go girl (salute and heart emojis).”

Fernandez will now remain in Japan for a quick turnaround, as she competes at the WTA 500 tournament in Tokyo.

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