Naomi Osaka matches her season-best performance with a victory over Leylah Fernandez …see more.
Naomi Osaka continued her impressive return to form by defeating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez at the Wuhan Open, a victory that saw her equal her own personal season record for match wins. The former world No. 1 displayed flashes of her peak brilliance throughout the contest, sealing the win in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5, to move into the next round of the prestigious tournament.
For Osaka, the result represents a significant milestone in her comeback season. After taking time away from the sport to focus on her mental health and welcome her first child, the Japanese star has steadily rebuilt her rhythm and confidence on court. The Wuhan win marked her 25th victory of the year, equaling her best tally since returning to the WTA circuit earlier this season.
From the very first game, Osaka set the tone with her trademark power and precision. Her first serve was a weapon throughout, regularly clocking over 180 km/h, while her forehand punished any short balls from Fernandez. The 2021 US Open finalist, Fernandez, put up a strong fight and matched Osaka in long rallies, but she struggled to convert key break points at crucial moments.
After closing out the first set 6-4, Osaka maintained her composure even as Fernandez raised her level in the second. The Canadian broke early to lead 3-1, but Osaka’s experience shone through. With patient baseline play and fearless aggression, she broke back twice to regain control, eventually serving out the match with a pair of aces that brought the Chinese crowd to their feet.
Speaking after the match, Osaka expressed her satisfaction with her performance and gratitude for the support she’s received throughout her return. “Every match for me now feels like progress,” she said. “To equal my season record means a lot, but more importantly, I feel my confidence growing again. Leylah is such a tough opponent we’ve had great battles before so I’m really proud of how I stayed focused.”
The victory also highlights Osaka’s growing consistency on hard courts, a surface that has brought her four Grand Slam titles. Her movement and timing appear sharper than earlier in the year, a sign that she’s regaining both her physical and mental edge.
With this win, Osaka advances to the quarterfinals, where she is set to face either Daria Kasatkina or Zheng Qinwen. A victory there would see her surpass her previous season-best record a feat that seemed distant at the start of the year.
Analysts have praised Osaka’s renewed composure and discipline, noting that she now blends power with patience, a combination that could make her a serious threat heading into the closing stages of the WTA season.
For fans and followers of women’s tennis, Naomi Osaka’s resurgence is one of the most encouraging stories of 2025 proof that determination, balance, and belief can power even the toughest comebacks.
