Canada’s Leylah Fernandez cruises into second round of Japan Open in Tokyo

TOKYO — Leylah Fernandez of Laval, Que., is through to the second round of the Japan Open.

The Canadian, ranked 23rd in the world, defeated Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday.

Fernandez needed just over 90 minutes to beat the world’s 114th-ranked player.

The 24-year-old converted three of nine break-point opportunities.

Fernandez is coming off a runner-up finish at the Ningbo Open last weekend.

She’ll next face fifth-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium, whom she beat last week in Ningbo.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press