Naomi Osaka has set up a highly anticipated showdown with Leylah Fernandez in the fourth round of the 2026 Canadian Open. Ahead of the blockbuster clash in Toronto, Osaka shared her thoughts on Fernandez, their rivalry, and how their recent practice session could impact their upcoming meeting.
After making a dominant start to her campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Panna Udvardy, No. 11 seed Osaka produced another clinical display during her clash with No. 20 seed Elise Mertens in the third round of the WTA 1000 event. She needed just one hour and 11 minutes to seal a 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Mertens.
The former world No. 1's encounter with No. 30 seed Leylah Fernandez in the fourth round will mark their third tour-level encounter. The Canadian secured a 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Osaka in their first meeting at the 2021 US Open, while the four-time Grand Slam champion defeated Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 at the Wuhan Open last year.
During her post-match press conference, Osaka reflected on her rivalry with Fernandez, expressing surprise that they have only faced each other twice.
"I mean, honestly, I'm shocked we've only played twice. I feel like we could have played more, but I think we've just practiced a couple of times. Actually, I practiced with her in DC like a week ago," Osaka said.
#open
After making a dominant start to her campaign with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Panna Udvardy, No. 11 seed Osaka produced another clinical display during her clash with No. 20 seed Elise Mertens in the third round of the WTA 1000 event. She needed just one hour and 11 minutes to seal a 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Mertens.
The former world No. 1's encounter with No. 30 seed Leylah Fernandez in the fourth round will mark their third tour-level encounter. The Canadian secured a 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Osaka in their first meeting at the 2021 US Open, while the four-time Grand Slam champion defeated Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 at the Wuhan Open last year.
During her post-match press conference, Osaka reflected on her rivalry with Fernandez, expressing surprise that they have only faced each other twice.
"I mean, honestly, I'm shocked we've only played twice. I feel like we could have played more, but I think we've just practiced a couple of times. Actually, I practiced with her in DC like a week ago," Osaka said.
#open
5 days ago
