"I have so many emotions right now": Leylah Fernandez reaches first final in nearly 600 days in Hong Kong

Leylah Fernandez expressed her excitement after reaching the semifinals of the 2023 Hong Kong Open by defeating Anna Blinkova and advancing to the final, where she will face Katerina Siniakova.

The former US Open finalist has had a mix of good results and some inconsistency over the past year. Although she has secured some victories against top-ranked players during the year, Leylah Fernandez has faced challenges in progressing to advanced rounds in tournaments.

However, this week was different for the Canadian. She advanced to her first WTA final in 18 months since winning the 2022 Monterrey Open. In an epic battle against Camila Osorio she won, and saved five match points to claim the Mexican title.

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Leylah Fernandez on-court interview

“I understand this is your first tour final since Monterrey in March last year. How does it feel?” Leylah was asked.

“Wow. That long? It feels amazing. I’m super happy. I have so many emotions right now. Happiness, sadness because my full team isn’t here with me. But you know they’re encouraging me from back home, they’re giving me lots of words of encouragement and positivity,” said Fernandez.

As a Former world No. 13 she defeated Blinkova in the semifinals with a score of 6-2, 7-5, and expressed her joy at securing another victory against a tough opponent.

"This match was extremely tough,” she said.

"The first set I played well, the second set she started making more balls and being very aggressive. I just tried to stay calm. I remembered my coach's words to me: this is a battle, just enjoy it, have fun and put on a show for everyone," she added.

“Then of course I am super happy to be playing in front of everybody, the fans here in Hong Kong. Thank you so much for making this extra special,” claimed Fernandez.

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Fernandez in the 2023 Hong Kong Final

In the final, she will face Katerina Siniakova, against whom she holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage. Their only previous meeting took place at the 2022 French Open in the second round. Leylah Fernandez won 6-3, 6-2. Fernandez then went on to reach the quarterfinals in that tournament before being defeated by Italian player Trevisan.

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Her smile says it all ☺️ @leylahfernandez advances to her FIRST final of the season! #PHKTO2023

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