Naomi Osaka overcomes nerves to defeat Leylah Fernandez in Toronto

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Aug 10, 2026, 5:25 AM

Last updated Aug 10, 2026

Naomi Osaka overcomes nerves to defeat Leylah Fernandez in Toronto
Summary

Naomi Osaka faced Leylah Fernandez at the Canadian Open in Toronto on August 9, 2026. Despite feeling nervous throughout the match, Osaka secured a 6-4, 6-4 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals. She expressed that the pressure from the crowd and her own expectations contributed to her anxiety. Osaka discussed her unique strategy of yawning to help calm her nerves and mentioned her desire to improve her performance, stating she didn’t feel she played at her best. Moving forward, Osaka will compete against No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals.

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By the Numbers
  • Osaka defeated Fernandez 6-4, 6-4 in the third round.
  • She expressed nerves due to the crowd and expectations.
  • Osaka used yawning as a strategy to calm down.
  • Her next match is against No. 2 seed Elena Rybakina.
Latest Updates
  • 5:25 AMYahoo Sports‘Made Me Overthink’ – Naomi Osaka Explains Why She Was ‘Really Nervous’ Before Leylah Fernandez Clash in Toronto
What they're saying
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Despite her wealth of experience on tour, Naomi Osaka still felt the nerves before her clash with Leylah Fernandez at the Canadian Open. After emerging victorious against Fernandez, the former world No.

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