Leylah Fernandez said her experience alongside Venus Williams left a lasting impression on her as the defending Mubadala DC Open women’s singles champion returned to Washington on Saturday for media day at the hard-court event.
“It’s been super fun,” Fernandez said July 25 as she kicked off the media day press conference when asked about spending time around Williams. “She always wants to support and help as much as possible.”
Fernandez said Williams’ calm approach stood out most.
“What I didn’t know is how good she was to calm me down,” Fernandez said. “It was kind of just a simple question of, How are you, like just starting a conversation.”
Fernandez, the Filipino Canadian star who reached the 2021 US Open women’s singles final, is back in the nation’s capital looking to defend the title she won last year.
She said the Washington stop remains one of the most comfortable on tour because of the atmosphere, the volunteers and the fans.
“The biggest thing that stands out is the volunteers, how much they brought so much positive energy, joy,” Fernandez said. “And then, of course, the fans. They were incredible last year.”
The Mubadala DC Open is one of the key hard-court events leading into the US Open, giving players an important tuneup before the final Grand Slam of the season. Fernandez said the surface change suits her game.
“The switch from grass to hard court I would say was a little bit easier,” she said. “It’s also the surface where I grew up, so it’s kind of enjoyable, fun, easier transition.”
Fernandez said she is approaching the tournament with the same mindset that helped power her run to the 2025 title.
“I think the biggest thing that worked for me was just a lot of acceptance and enjoying my time on court,” she said. “If I go out there with the right attitude, it goes well.”
The Williams connection also adds context to another Filipino tennis name tied to the sport’s current surge: Alexandra Eala, a former TOFA awardee and another rising player with strong Filipino roots. Fernandez’s remarks about Williams and Eala highlight the growing visibility of Filipino athletes on the global tennis stage.
Eala, who has become one of the sport’s most promising young figures, previously partnered with Williams at the US Open, giving Filipino fans another reason to follow the continuing Williams-Filipino tennis link.
Fernandez said she is focused on staying present as she begins another summer run.
“I’m just going to try to go out there with the mindset of figuring things out and enjoy my time competing in D.C.,” she said.
