The 23-year-old, ranked world No. 27, added to her DC Open triumph in Washington earlier this year, marking the first time she has won multiple WTA titles in a single season. The victory also brings her career total to five WTA titles, solidifying her reputation as one of the most consistent and hard-fighting players on tour.
Fernandez began the match in commanding fashion, breezing through the opening set 6-0 as her 18-year-old opponent — playing in her first WTA final — struggled to find rhythm. Valentova, ranked No. 78, appeared rattled early on but regrouped impressively to snatch the second set 7-5, showing flashes of the form that carried her through the draw as a qualifier.
Despite heavy strapping on her right thigh, Fernandez regained control in the decider, displaying her trademark grit and baseline precision. She sealed the win when Valentova sent a service return into the net, clinching a hard-fought victory in just over two hours.
“It’s been a tough week, but I’m really proud of how I stayed composed and fought for every point,” Fernandez said after the match, thanking the Osaka crowd for their support.
The Japan Open, which saw former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka withdraw before her quarter-final due to a leg injury, became a stage for Fernandez’s resilience and growing maturity on court.
With momentum firmly on her side, Fernandez now turns her focus to the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo next week, where she will open against fellow Canadian Victoria Mboko.
Her latest triumph further underscores her steady return to form since her breakthrough run to the 2021 US Open final — a reminder that Fernandez remains a rising force in women’s tennis.