World number 27 Fernandez, who won the DC Open in July, secured her fifth career title in Osaka, marking the first time the 23-year-old has claimed two tournament victories in the same year.
Despite playing with heavy strapping on her right thigh, Fernandez dominated the opening set against Valentova, ranked 78th and making her debut in a WTA final. Valentova rallied in the second set but ultimately fell short, hitting a service return into the net to hand Fernandez the win in the deciding set.
Fernandez is set to compete in next week’s Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she will face fellow Canadian Victoria Mboko in the opening round.
–Reuters–
