Leylah Fernandez makes it to Hong Kong Open final with ‘tough’ win over Anna Blinkova in semi-final

Leylah Fernandez claimed her place in her first final of the season after overcoming Anna Blinkova to advance in the Hong Kong Open.

Fernandez continued her fine form to beat the fifth seed Blinkova 6-2 7-5 and set up a final with either Martina Trevisan or Katerina Siniakova on Sunday.

Fernandez, who has dropped just two sets throughout the tournament, said: “This match was extremely tough.

“Anna, she’s a tremendous player, very powerful, and she’s coming in with a lot of confidence.

“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.”

Fernandez has dropped to No. 60 in the world and is striving to win her first title since the Monterrey Open last year.

But she believes her fortune is turning. The Canadian, 21, has already beaten top seed Victoria Azarenka, Mirra Andreeva and Linda Fruhvirtova so far in Hong Kong.

“I don’t want to jinx it, but I’m getting there,” Fernandez continued.

“Slowly but surely, every match I’ve been improving, being more offensive, and hitting more targets. The fans are loving it and in turn I’m loving the support from the fans. It’s encouraged me to keep going, to keep playing that way.

“Hopefully, soon I’ll get back to a level that I’m proud of. and I can say this is what I’ve been working for.”