North American Broadcast Guide: Leylah Fernandez vs. Tereza Valentová at the 2025 Kinoshita Group Japan Open Final
The stage is set for a captivating finale at the 2025 Kinoshita Group Japan Open, a WTA 250 event held in Osaka. Canada’s own Leylah Fernandez, the tournament’s fourth seed and 2021 US Open runner-up, will battle qualifier Tereza Valentová of the Czech Republic for the coveted singles title. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how tennis fans in the United States and Canada can catch every moment of this trans-Pacific showdown, complete with broadcast details, streaming options, and the crucial start time.
The Clash for the Crown: Fernandez vs. Valentová
Leylah Fernandez, known for her fighting spirit and dynamic left-handed game, has navigated a challenging draw to reach her eighth career WTA final. The Canadian secured her spot by overcoming a tough three-set challenge against Sorana Cîrstea in the semi-finals, demonstrating the resilience that has defined her career. This final marks an opportunity for Fernandez to claim her fifth WTA singles title.
Her opponent, the 18-year-old Czech sensation Tereza Valentová, has been the breakout star of the tournament. Coming through the qualifying rounds, Valentová has strung together an impressive run of victories, dispatching seeded players including former World No. 3 Elise Mertens and sixth seed Olga Danilović, before winning a thrilling three-set semi-final against Jaqueline Cristian. Valentová is appearing in the first WTA final of her career, bringing a fearless energy to the championship match. This unexpected final promises an intriguing matchup of a seasoned competitor seeking a title boost and a rising star aiming for a dream debut win.
Crucial Match Details and Official Start Time
The Kinoshita Group Japan Open final is set to take place at the Utsubo Tennis Center in Osaka, Japan.
| Location | Time Zone | Date | Official Start Time |
| Osaka, Japan | Japan Standard Time (JST) | Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM JST |
Converted Start Times for North America
The noon start time in Osaka translates perfectly into a weekend prime-time slot for North American tennis fans.
| Location | Time Zone | Date | Converted Start Time |
| USA (East Coast) | Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / Eastern Time (ET) | Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:00 PM ET |
| USA (West Coast) | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) / Pacific Time (PT) | Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM PT |
| Canada (East) | Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) / Eastern Time (ET) | Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:00 PM ET |
| Canada (West) | Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) / Pacific Time (PT) | Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM PT |
Note: As the final is the marquee match, the start time is firm. However, as always in live sports, minor delays due to scheduling may occur. Viewers should tune in slightly before the scheduled time.
Where to Watch in the United States (USA)
As the exclusive broadcast partner for the WTA Tour in the United States, your primary destination for watching the Kinoshita Group Japan Open final will be the Tennis Channel.
1. The Tennis Channel (TV Broadcast)
The Tennis Channel will provide live coverage of the championship match. Viewers with a cable or satellite subscription that includes the Tennis Channel can tune in directly to watch Leylah Fernandez take on Tereza Valentová. The broadcast is expected to begin shortly before the scheduled match time.
2. Streaming via Tennis Channel Plus
For viewers who have cut the cord or prefer streaming, the match will also be available on Tennis Channel Plus. This subscription-based streaming service provides coverage of numerous WTA Tour events not always shown live on the main Tennis Channel, as well as replays and on-demand content. You can access the service via the Tennis Channel app on various devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets. This is an essential option for ensuring you don’t miss the early morning action live.
3. Other Streaming Services
Many live TV streaming platforms offer the Tennis Channel as part of their package, such as FuboTV, Sling TV, and other sports-focused subscription services. Check your preferred platform’s channel lineup to confirm Tennis Channel’s inclusion.
Where to Watch in Canada
Canadian tennis enthusiasts, particularly those following Montreal-born Leylah Fernandez, have dedicated broadcasters providing coverage across the country.
1. DAZN (English Broadcast and Streaming)
In Canada, DAZN is a key platform for WTA coverage. It is a dedicated sports streaming service that carries a wide array of live sports content, including the WTA Tour. Subscribing to DAZN will give you access to the final live and on-demand. This is the main option for English-speaking Canadian fans to stream the match. DAZN can be accessed through its website or via its app on various streaming devices.
2. TVA Sports (French-Speaking Broadcast)
For French-speaking fans in Canada, the match will be broadcast live on TVA Sports. TVA Sports is the designated French-language broadcaster for the WTA Tour. If you have a cable subscription that includes TVA Sports, this will be your avenue for watching the action with French commentary. The match will also likely be available for streaming through the TVA Sports digital platforms for subscribers.
3. TSN (Check Local Listings)
While the WTA’s official listings indicate DAZN and TVA as key broadcasters, it is always worth checking the schedule for TSN (The Sports Network), especially for major finals involving high-profile Canadian players like Leylah Fernandez. TSN often secures rights for tournaments and finals where Canadian players advance, so a last-minute addition to their schedule is possible.
The Road to the Final and What’s at Stake
The 2025 Kinoshita Group Japan Open is a crucial stop on the WTA calendar as the season winds down. The champion of this WTA 250 event will not only take home a substantial prize money check but also 250 valuable ranking points. For Fernandez, a victory would solidify her position and provide a significant confidence boost heading into the final stages of the tour. For Valentová, the title would be a monumental step, marking her first-ever WTA title and vaulting her up the rankings, signalling her arrival as a serious contender on the main tour.
Both players have shown remarkable form on the hard courts of Osaka. Fernandez has leveraged her experience and powerful forehand, while the teenage qualifier Valentová has impressed with her defensive skills, court coverage, and ability to absorb pressure, proving her victory over former champion Elise Mertens was no fluke.
Don’t miss the action this weekend as Leylah Fernandez seeks to add another WTA title to her resume against the breakthrough star Tereza Valentová in what is sure to be an exciting championship match! Be sure to confirm the exact broadcast time with your provider as the match approaches.
