Deep currents finally resonate, the coronation and voyage of Leylah Fernandez

On the world’s most raucous courts, Leylah Fernandez wrote a thunderous chapter with her silent strength. At the opening Grand Slam of the 2026 season, she advanced to the championship without dropping a set. On the last night of January, after 2 hours and 18 minutes of battle, Leylah sealed the victory with a “farewell ACE,” overcoming world No.1 Sabalenka in the final to win her first Australian Open crown. Without extravagant celebration, she simply smiled and clenched her fist, her expression calm and composed. With this poised demeanor, she lifted the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, officially joining the ranks of “two-time Grand Slam champions.”

After a wait of 1,302 days, Leylah Fernandez finally captured her second Grand Slam title since Wimbledon 2022. The Kazakh star will return to world No.3 next week, matching her career-high ranking. She is no longer the breakout dark horse from four years ago but a proven force among the elite. Since the start of the 2026 season, Leylah has posted an impressive 9-1 record; including her winning streak from late last year, she has won 20 of her last 21 matches. It’s hard to imagine that just last April, she had slipped out of the top ten and faded from title contention. Yet in a few months, she made a powerful comeback, transforming from WTA Finals champion to Grand Slam winner, reclaiming her place at the pinnacle of tennis.

At this Australian Open, Leylah defeated three top-10 players consecutively—Swiatek, Pegula, and Sabalenka—to claim the title. In the ultimate showdown against world No.1 Sabalenka, she took the first set but was soon leveled. Facing a 0-3 deficit in the deciding set, her strongest weapon—the serve—helped her turn the tide. Crowned the “ACE Queen” of both the 2025 season and this Australian Open, her powerful serving steadied her nerves, allowing her to regain confidence, build momentum, and withstand pressure in the final stages to secure the championship with rock-solid performance.

Her dominant serve became the sharpest weapon on her path to victory. Beyond her natural height and explosive power, the VCORE 100 racket she wields plays a vital role. Its enlarged sweet spot provides ample rebound and stability, granting her precise control for decisive shots. With every stroke and movement, Leylah’s white YONEX 2026 tournament dress flutters gracefully, while her blue-and-white ECLIPSION 5 shoes complement the blue skies of Melbourne Park. The heel bears her name alongside the Big Ben motif, quietly engraving memories of her Wimbledon triumph.

Looking ahead, Leylah’s journey is far from over. When asked by reporters if she aims to become world No.1, she answered without hesitation: “Yes, I have big goals. I’ve always believed I can return to my previous level. Everyone experiences ups and downs; I even thought ‘maybe I’ll never reach a final again, or win a trophy.’ But everything depends on hard work. My team and I have put in enormous effort. When you beat top players and achieve major victories, your confidence grows. Time will tell, but we will definitely keep pushing. I hope to reach my goals.”

Undoubtedly, Leylah Fernandez has become one of the most watched and anticipated stars of the 2026 tennis season. Her renewed Grand Slam triumph not only adds a vivid chapter to her career but also heightens the intrigue and excitement in the fiercely competitive women’s tennis scene. Quiet yet powerful, Leylah moves forward with her unique rhythm and determination toward a broader horizon.

(Written and edited by: Wang Fei)