Leylah Fernandez REACTS on Eala vs Zheng CLASH in 1st Round

Leylah Fernandez Embraces Defending Champion Status While Revealing New Partnerships and Bigger Goals

Leylah Fernandez couldn’t have asked for a much better start to her return to Washington.

The defending champion opened her campaign with a convincing victory, immediately building momentum at a tournament that already holds special meaning in her career.

While many players struggle under the weight of defending a title, Fernandez appeared relaxed, composed, and confident as she reflected on her performance and the mindset that has helped her embrace the challenge.

“I’m feeling very, very good,” Fernandez said after the match.

“Happy to get my first win here in Washington. It’s a great tournament with so many good memories, so starting with a win definitely helps.”

Although returning as the defending champion naturally brings added attention, Fernandez insisted the pressure isn’t nearly as overwhelming as many people imagine.

She acknowledged that there are expectations attached to being the reigning champion, but revealed that her coaching team has worked hard to reshape the way she approaches the tournament.

Rather than focusing on protecting ranking points or defending a trophy, the message has been remarkably simple.

Earn everything again.

“My coaches always tell me we’re coming here to earn our points,” Fernandez explained.

“We’re not here to defend or just try to win another title. We’re here to earn it.”

That philosophy has become one of the defining themes of her season and appears to have given her a refreshing sense of freedom on court.

Washington also offered Fernandez another emotional reminder of what she accomplished a year ago.

Playing once again on Stadium Court, she admitted the experience brought back plenty of memories, especially after seeing her name displayed alongside some of the biggest champions in tournament history.

“It truly means a lot,” she said.

“It motivates me to keep going.”

Rather than allowing those memories to create additional pressure, Fernandez sees them as inspiration to continue improving and creating new moments.

Away from singles competition, another exciting challenge awaits later this summer.

Fernandez confirmed that she will compete in the US Open mixed doubles event alongside American star Frances Tiafoe.

The partnership had been in the works for quite some time.

She revealed that the idea first surfaced earlier this year when she began exploring possible partners.

Tiafoe quickly became one of her top choices, although previous commitments initially delayed any agreement.

Following changes in circumstances, the opportunity finally became available.

“I’m extremely excited,” Fernandez said.

“I watched it last year on TV and it looked like so much fun. I know Francis loves the energy, and I love it too.”

The pairing promises to be one of the most entertaining combinations in the draw, with both players known for feeding off crowd support and thriving in electric atmospheres.

Perhaps the biggest development discussed after her victory, however, involved changes within her coaching team.

For most of her professional career, Fernandez has worked primarily alongside her father, Jorge Fernandez, who has guided her development from a young age.

Now, longtime coach Eric Hechtman has officially joined the team.

Fernandez explained that bringing in another experienced voice has actually been under consideration for nearly two years.

Rather than rushing into a decision, they waited until they found someone whose vision matched both her own and her father’s philosophy.

According to Fernandez, Hechtman proved to be exactly the right fit.

“He seems to get along well with my dad,” she said.

“They have the same view of what my game could be and should be.”

The partnership also allows her father greater flexibility.

With Jorge increasingly involved in helping Fernandez’s younger sister pursue professional tennis, while also working with another developing player, sharing coaching responsibilities became a practical solution without sacrificing continuity.

Fernandez made it clear that her father will remain an essential part of her team.

She explained that previous attempts to work exclusively with another coach left her feeling that something important was missing.

As she has matured both personally and professionally, she has become more certain about what she needs.

“My dad knows me best,” she said.

“I always want him there in my corner.”

At the same time, she believes Hechtman’s experience working with numerous top-level players—including early work with the Williams sisters—adds valuable perspective and fresh ideas.

The trio plans to work together throughout the North American hard-court season, and Fernandez expressed confidence that the collaboration is built to last.

On the court, Fernandez was equally pleased with the quality of her tennis.

Rather than pointing to one spectacular aspect of her game, she highlighted her overall consistency.

“I didn’t give away too many free points,” she explained.

Her aggressive returning allowed her to pressure her opponent early, while her serve became increasingly effective as the match progressed.

Maintaining control without donating unnecessary errors gave her exactly the kind of balanced performance she had hoped for.

Of course, even with a victory safely secured, Fernandez admitted that some nerves are impossible to avoid when returning as the defending champion.

The title follows her everywhere.

She sees it displayed throughout the tournament grounds.

She hears it mentioned during interviews.

It’s impossible to completely ignore.

Still, her coaches have encouraged her to view the situation differently.

“We’re not a defensive team,” Fernandez said with a smile.

“We’re an aggressive team.”

That mentality shaped her objectives for the opening match: move well, stay fast, focus on the ball, and trust herself to find solutions whenever challenges appeared.

It proved to be exactly the right formula.

Looking ahead, Fernandez knows the competition will only become tougher.

Whether she faces Qinwen Zheng or Alexandra Eala in the next round, she expects another demanding challenge.

Zheng continues to regain form after injury, while Eala has enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough season and enters the tournament full of confidence.

Instead of worrying about either opponent’s strengths, Fernandez intends to concentrate on her own game.

Her goal remains simple: execute her tactics, make opponents uncomfortable, and leave the court knowing she competed with complete commitment regardless of the final result.

It is a philosophy built on process rather than pressure.

For Fernandez, returning to Washington is no longer about protecting a championship won last year.

It is about proving, one match at a time, that she can earn another memorable run.

Judging by the confidence she displayed after her opening victory, the defending champion appears determined to do exactly that.