Leylah Fernandez overcomes abysmal start to defeat Maja Chwalinska to confirm Singapore Open final spot
WTA
Leylah Fernandez is in a ninth WTA final after turning her
semi-final clash against Maja Chwalinska around after a dreadful start. She
came back to produce a flourishing finish to prevail 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 at the Singapore
Tennis Open.
After a number of withdrawals from the event in Southeast
Asia. Fernandez was one of the big names still in contention, and she took down
the No.1 seed Mirra Andreeva in the quarter-finals in a terrific result. Chwalinska
also came into this contest with some momentum behind her, defeating the reigning
champion Elise Mertens.
The winner would take on Talia Gibson who was gifted a free
pathway into a maiden WTA final thanks to Tatiana Prozorova being forced to
withdraw from the tournament after a doubles incident.
Chwalinska seemed to be her opponent after dominating the
early proceedings, winning 15 points on the bounce at one point. Fernandez
struck late with a break of serve in the second set and overcame a break point
opportunity by Chwalinska to blast clear, winning the third set at a canter to
set up a final showdown against Gibson.
Laylah Fernandez battled past Maja Chwalinska to reach the Singapore Tennis Open final
Fernandez completes comeback against Chwalinska
From the start, it all went wrong for Fernandez. In the
first four games, she managed to win just three points. She would also lose 15
points in a row at one point, picturing a dejected and frustrated tennis
player.
Unforced errors were becoming costly, but on the other side
of the court Chwalinska was flourishing as she romped away into a 5-0 lead.
Fernandez got on the board with a break of serve, but the Pole would instantly
clap back and in doing so sealed the first set.
Fernandez instantly found some momentum in the second set.
She broke the serve before four consecutive holds finally saw this match settle
with both players patiently waiting to strike.
It would be Chwalinska who fired back, winning three games
on the spin while dropping just two points. Fernandez then produced a similar
streak of games, but this sealed the second set. She was right back in this matchup
with a third set on the cards for a spot in the WTA 500 final.
Read also
Chwalinska had the chance to strike first but was not able
to convert it. This would prove to be hugely costly. Fernandez would break twice
in three games, winning all-but one point.
The former US Open finalist was flexing her muscles, and
Chwalinska could not keep up. Another easy hold moved Fernandez withing one of
the match. Chwalinska delayed the seemingly inevitable as Fernandez got it done
on serve in the next game.
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
claps 2visitors 1
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
