Leylah Fernandez is gearing up for her title defence at the Washington Open this year.
Fernandez is a former US Open finalist, but she has had mixed results so far in 2026, including her most recent tournament at Wimbledon, where she lost in the first round.
During this period, some tennis fans have called for Fernandez to part ways with her father, Jorge Fernandez, who has coached her since she was a child.
Fernandez won her biggest title at the Washington Open last year, and she now appears to be making some coaching changes ahead of her title defence.
Leylah Fernandez is working with Eric Hechtman ahead of the Washington Open
Fernandez is still working with her father at the Washington Open, who has been on court during her practice sessions ahead of the WTA 500 tournament, but he was not the only coach with her.
Following her return to competition recently, Fernandez has spoken about wanting to play against Serena Williams and she now appears to be working with one of the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s former coaches.
Eric Hechtman worked with Serena in 2022, when she initially retired, and has been on court with Fernandez ahead of the Washington Open.
What do you think Serena Williams needs to do to make her comeback successful?
Hechtman has also previously coached both Venus Williams between 2019 and 2023, as well as working with Hailey Baptiste until February earlier this year.
Fernandez will be hoping that Hechtman can help her, as she faces big pressure as the defending champion at the Washington Open.
Leylah Fernandez will drop down the rankings before the Washington Open
Regardless of how well Fernandez performs in her Washington Open title defence, she is already confirmed to make a significant ranking drop.
Last year, the Washington Open was held a week earlier than it has been this year and therefore Fernandez will lose 440 ranking points this week instead.
This means that Fernandez is confirmed to drop nine places in the rankings down to world number 34.
As a result, Fernandez would be outside the seeded places for the US Open and she will be hoping to return to form in the coming weeks.
Fernandez will begin her Washington Open title defence against Magda Linette, who she has won three of her four previous matches against.
