Leylah Fernandez thrived under the bright lights of Flushing Meadows, feeding off the energy from the New York crowd, as she beat compatriot Rebecca Marino, 6-2, 6-1, in the first round of the 2025 US Open.
The 22-year-old, who has already written her name into the history of this event with a runner-up finish in 2021, made it clear that while her recent success has been rewarding, the US Open carries a special kind of challenge.
How Did Leylah Fernandez Cruise Past Rebecca Marino In the US Open?
Fernandez, seeded No. 31, arrived in New York riding the momentum of a strong summer that included her first WTA 500 title in Washington last month. That victory, the biggest of her career so far, has given her an added layer of confidence heading into the season’s final Major.
In her straight set victory over Marino, Fernandez raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set, using her sharp returning to break the former twice. Although the World No. 117 briefly threatened with a break of her own, Fernandez quickly regrouped and closed out the set by converting her third break point.
Leylah Annie Fernandez (31) defeats fellow Canadian Rebecca Marino 6-2 & 6-1 at the US Open! 🇨🇦#USOpen pic.twitter.com/iDQs7nFcRN
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 24, 2025
In the second set, the 22-year-old continued to dictate play, breaking early and then again at 5-1 to wrap up the contest in just over an hour. She was clinical throughout, converting all five of her break-point chances, while Marino managed to take advantage of only one out of five opportunities.
Why Does Fernandez Call the US Open a ‘Different Monster’?
In a post-match on-court interview, Fernandez explained that she was pleased with more than just her shot-making. “I’m super happy with the way that I played, but mainly how I prepared myself emotionally and mentally during the whole match,” the 22-year-old said. “It’s never easy to play against your friend and a compatriot. So, I’m just super happy that I got to stay focused on myself and get to the next round.”
When asked about her breakthrough in Washington and how she planned to carry that confidence forward, she drew a sharp line between the two events. “Washington was an incredible week for me, but US Open is a different monster, different tournament. So, I’m just super happy to be back here in New York and playing in front of an amazing crowd, the New York fans.”
“I love the energy you guys brought today. So, I hope you guys come back for my next round and bring the same amount of energy and even more.”
After beating Marino, Fernandez will play either Marie Bouzková or Elsa Jacquemot in the second round of the US Open.
