‘Was Just a Lot of Acceptance’ – Leylah Fernandez Remembers Past Success Ahead of DC Open Title Defense

Leylah Fernandez is ranked No. 25 in the world, but her results so far this season have told a different story. The Canadian star is hoping to turn the corner during the North American swing, beginning with the 2026 Mubadala DC Open, where she is the defending champion.

Ahead of the WTA 500 event, Fernandez looked back on her remarkable run to the trophy 12 months ago.

Leylah Fernandez Prepares for Mubadala DC Open Title Defense

Fernandez arrives in Washington, D.C. with just 12 wins under her belt for 2026 against 19 defeats. 500 of her 1,784 ranking points are on the line during the week as she navigates her path to a sixth career title. She is also contesting doubles alongside Anna Danilina.

Despite her poor run of form that has resulted in first-round exits at all three completed Grand Slams, she has maintained an optimistic approach ahead of the Mubadala DC Open.

“I’m feeling good, excited. Happy to be back in DC. There are so many good memories, and hopefully I can continue with some good vibes here and enjoy my time on court,” the 23-year-old said in her pre-tournament press conference.

Fernandez was on a tear when she won her fourth career title in the US capital 12 months ago. The Canadian star began her campaign with a win against Maya Joint and edged out top seed Jessica Pegula in the next match. She then knocked out Taylor Townsend and Elena Rybakina before a sublime 6-1, 6-2 win against Anna Kalinskaya in the final.

“I definitely think back on those memories, on those feelings, the positive feelings, the fight, the energy that the crowd brought,” Fernandez said about her title run.

“I try to use that to my advantage and try to go back into that state, and hopefully I can reproduce that here.”

The player pinpointed one significant detail that contributed to her success last year. “The biggest thing that worked for me was just a lot of acceptance and enjoying my time on court. If I go out there with the right attitude, it goes well. So hopefully I can do that and recreate that this year.”

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Leylah Fernandez begins her singles campaign against Poland’s Magda Linette. The 2021 US Open finalist has yet to reach a final on the WTA Tour since her title win at the Japan Women’s Open in October 2025. She has three quarterfinal appearances to her name in 2026, with a run to the last eight in Madrid being her best result.