Leylah Fernandez opens DC Open title defence with straight‑sets win

Leylah Fernandez opened her defence of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open with a straight‑sets victory over Poland’s Magda Linette, winning 6‑1, 6‑4 in just 1 hour 19 minutes. The 23‑year‑old Canadian, the seventh seed and last year’s champion, served two aces and converted five of nine break‑point chances.

Ahead of the tournament Fernandez added veteran coach Eric Hechtman to her team, joining her father and former‑player Jorge Fernandez, who has coached her since childhood. The coaching change, noted by fans on social media, aims to bring a fresh perspective after a season in which Fernandez’s record slipped to 13‑19.