18-Year-Old Czech Valentova Reaches First Career Final in Osaka

Tereza Valentova battled back for a 6-7(3) 6-4 6-3 victory over Jaqueline Cristian in Osaka, reaching her maiden career final.

The 78th-ranked qualifier, now 9-3 on the season, finished last season at a ranking of 261. She had never won a main draw match at WTA level prior to 2025.

Valentova will face Leylah Fernandez in the final. The Canadian took out Sorana Cirstea 6-1, 2-6, 6-4.

Valentova won the Roland-Garros Girls title in 2024, and also was a runner-up at the US Open Girls event in 2023. She reached a career-high ranking of four in ITF juniors.

Valentova has notched wins over Alexandra Eala, Elise Mertens, Olga Danilovic and Cristian this week in Japan.