Fernandez continues impressive asian swing to reach Pan Pacific open final in Tokyo

Leylah Fernandez has continued her impressive run of form in Asia by booking her place in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo, where she will face Russia’s Diana Shnaider for the title on Saturday.

The Canadian, currently ranked world number 23, produced a commanding performance to defeat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 7-5, 6-3 in the semi-finals, securing her second consecutive final appearance.

Fernandez has enjoyed a productive Asian swing, having claimed her first title of the season in Singapore in September before reaching the final of last week’s Ningbo Open. However, she fell short against world number one Elena Rybakina in the championship match.

The 24-year-old will now have another opportunity to add silverware to her collection when she takes on 13th-ranked Shnaider, who booked her place in the final after overcoming Slovakia’s 18-year-old Mia Pohankova 6-4, 7-6(7).

Following her victory over Rakhimova, Fernandez credited her mental strength and determination for her recent success.

“I’m proud of my mental fortitude,” said the Canadian, who reached the US Open final in 2021.

“These aren’t easy matches so I’m happy that I was able to find solutions and stay calm in tough moments.”

Fernandez reached the semi-finals after Rybakina withdrew from their scheduled encounter because of a neck injury. The Kazakhstani had secured the year-end world number one ranking just a day earlier.

Rybakina was among several players who withdrew from the Tokyo tournament, which takes place towards the end of the demanding tennis season.

Fernandez Credits Match Experience for Recent Success

Reflecting on her performances during the Asian swing, Fernandez explained that she and her coaching team made a conscious decision to prioritise competitive matches following her third-round exit at the US Open in September.

Rather than focusing exclusively on training, the Canadian believed that competing regularly would help her improve her ability to handle pressure and difficult situations on court.

“We all agreed that what I needed the most was matches, to play in these tough matches, uncomfortable moments, and to be strong in those moments,” she explained.

“We could train all we want but we’re not going to be able to replicate those difficult moments in training.”

Her approach appears to be paying off, with Fernandez now reaching back-to-back finals and giving herself another opportunity to finish the season on a high.

Shnaider Targets First Title of the Season

Standing between Fernandez and the Pan Pacific Open trophy is Diana Shnaider, who is chasing her first title of the year.

The 22-year-old Russian secured her place in the final after surviving a difficult challenge from former junior Wimbledon champion Mia Pohankova.

Shnaider eventually prevailed 6-4, 7-6(7) in a closely contested encounter, building on her impressive quarter-final victory over Filipino star Alexandra Eala.

Despite the demanding schedule, Shnaider was pleased with her ability to maintain her physical level throughout the tournament.

“The work never stops,” she said.

“I had good preparation for the Asian swing from a fitness point of view.”

Reflecting on her semi-final performance, she added: “Yesterday was a very tough match and today I was happy that I managed to push myself again.”

With Fernandez carrying strong momentum into the championship match and Shnaider determined to secure her first trophy of the season, Saturday’s final promises to be an intriguing battle for the Pan Pacific Open title.