Orfi completes remarkable week

World No.3 Amina Orfi completed a remarkable week in Toronto as she defeated England No.1 Gina Kennedy to capture the Canadian Women’s Open 2025 at Brookfield Place. 

The 18-year-old arrived in Toronto on Sunday less than 24 hours on from playing in the final of the US Open in Philadelphia, and the tournament’s top seed didn’t drop a single game on her way to lifting the title for the Silver-level event. 

Orfi, who saw a lot of her pressure absorbed well by Kennedy throughout the match, had more conviction at the crucial times against the World No.10 to close out a 11-8, 11-7, 11-3 triumph in 44 minutes. 

“This season has been very different for me compared to last year,” she said post-match.

“Last season I wasn’t really making it to all of the semi-finals and finals in Platinum events, so now it is more pressure and you get tired more and you need better recovery. It’s just a learning process and a work in progress.

“I’m just trying to adjust and enjoy every match. I’m grateful to be able to travel the world and compete.

“Hopefully I can finish the first half of the season in China and Hong Kong strong.”

In the Toronto Athletic Club Open 2025, a men’s Copper-level event which has also been held at Brookfield Place, Leonel Cardenas retained the title after overcoming the No.2 seed Yahya Elnawasany in straight games. 

Cardenas, who defeated Baptiste Masotti in last year’s final in Toronto, was resolute in defence against the Egyptian, with some lengthy exchanges in a huge 20-minute opening game doing plenty of damage.

The World No.15, the top seed for this event, saw his patient play rewarded as he won 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 in 45 minutes to go back-to-back at this tournament in Toronto. 

“I didn’t know the Mexican supporters were coming in today. It was a surprise for me,” he said.

“They are from my home club so it is great that I managed to get the win in front of them.

“Today was a great performance. I think I played my lines and strategy well. I came up with a good plan and I’m really happy with the result. I’m looking forward to the next tournament.”

Result – Final: Canadian Women’s Open 2025

[1] Amina Orfi (EGY) bt. [4] Georgina Kennedy (ENG) 3-0: 11-8, 11-7, 11-3 (44m)

Result – Final: Toronto Athletic Club Open 2025

[1] Leonel Cardenas (MEX) bt. [2] Yahya Elnawasany (EGY) 3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 (45m)