It has been a very tough couple of years for Leylah Fernandez. The 21-year-old has struggled with injury and form since after losing at the 2021 US Open final to Emma Raducanu. Many believed her injuries could thwart a budding career, and even fans had voiced their concerns over the young pro.
But all that is past, as the Canadian rallied to triumph, clinching the Hong Kong Open title – her first after 19 months and her third since winning at Monterrey in March 2022.
Leylah Fernandez wins Hong Kong Open
Leylah Fernandez came from a set down to defeat Kateřina Siniaková 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to win the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open. The victory is the 21-year-old’s first Hologic WTA Tour title of the 2023 season and third of her career.
Leylah Fernandez entered the tournament ranked No. 60 and she will leave Hong Kong with a return to the Top 50. With wins over Victoria Azarenka, Mirra Andreeva, Linda Fruhvirtova, Anna Blinkova and Kateřina Siniaková, Fernandez captured her first title since winning 2022 Monterrey.
Fernandez responded to the loss of the opening set by building a 4-0 lead in the second. Kateřina Siniaková took an off-court medical timeout and returned with her left upper leg taped. When play resumed, Siniaková slowly began to chip away at Fernandez’s lead.
As Fernandez served with a break advantage at 4-3, the Canadian came through the longest and most dramatic game of the match to hold. Fernandez saved six break points in a see-saw battle, that saw the Czech save four game points to extend the 10-deuce game. Having survived the duel, Fernandez served out the set two games later.
“We had a very, very hard past couple of years,” Fernandez said. “My family, my parents, my coach, and my performance coach stayed by my side. They motivated me to keep going and the hard work is paying off. Hopefully, we can keep going this way.”
“I knew it was a crucial game. Katerina was playing an incredible match, hitting winners from the backhand, forehand, left, right, and center. It was a tough game for me, especially emotionally, to control myself. At one point I just had to focus on the ball,” she added.
Leylah Fernandez’ victory over Kateřina Siniaková took 2 hours and 49 minutes. Fernandez will continue in action next week with the Jiangxi Open seeing her as one of the top seeds.
Leylah Fernandez receives paise from Coco Gauff, Boris Becker and others
Leylah Fernandez was showered with well wishes from her fellow players after winning the Hong Kong Open in a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Kateřina Siniaková. Following her win, the 21-year-old took to social media and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for her fans’ unwavering support.
“Dreams transformed into reality through hard work and dedication. This victory is not just mine, but a shared triumph with each of you who stood by me. Your unwavering support fueled every point on the court. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Fernandez captioned her Instagram post.
American tennis icon Coco Gauff was the first to congratulate the Canadian.
“Congrats,” Gauff commented.
Bianca Andreescu and Boris Becker also commended her on her victory.
“Congratulations,” Becker posted.
Fernandez was quick to express her gratitude for the kind messages from her fellow players, making sure to thank them all.
