Fernandez, Kalinskaya to Clash for DC Title

The heavily anticipated rematch of the 2021 US Open – one of the most improbable Grand Slam finals in memory – did not happen this week at the Citi Open. 

Instead, 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez will face Anna Kalinskaya of Russia for the title. 

Kalinskaya ended the hopes of Emma Raducanu, the woman who defeated Fernandez for the title in Flushing Meadows nearly four years ago, 6-4, 6-3, while Fernandez took out former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in an epic battle, 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3), in 3:12. 

Sunday’s final presents a chance for two former Top 20 talents to earn their biggest career title at the 500 level. 

Fernandez reached a career-high ranking of 13 in August of 22 and has won three career titles; Kalinskaya reached No.11 last October but has yet to win a title.

Kalinskaya has yet to drop a set in DC, with wins over Magda Linette, Clara Tauson and Raducanu. Fernandez took out top-seeded Jessica Pegula in the second round. 

Fernandez won the pair’s only previous meeting four years agon in Guadalajara, in three tights sets.