Fernandez looks to extend streak in Hong Kong final

2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez has the chance to extend her run of winning at least one title in each of the past three seasons when she takes on Katerina Siniakova in Sunday’s WTA Hong Kong final.

The Canadian who claimed trophies in Mexico in 2021 and 2022, earned her first finals spots since March, 2022, defeating Anna Blinkova 6-2, 7-5; 

The 85th-ranked Czech Siniakova beat Italy’s Martina Trevisan 6-3, 6-2 in their semi at the iconic Victoria Park venue in the heart of the city.

Fernandez, who lost the open final two years ago to Emma Raducanu, called her semi-final win extremely tough,” 

“Anna’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 reached the business end in Hong Kong through wins over top seed Victoria Azarenka (retirement) and also dispatched teenagersMirra Andreeva and Linda Fruhvirtova.

The Canadian struck 29 winners in her defeat of Blinkova,breaking four times

“Slowly but surely, every match I’ve been improving, being more offensive, and hitting more targets,” the winner said. .

“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.”

Siniakova will be competing in her second final this season after winning on grass at Bad Homburg, Germany.

She last won a WTA title six years ago in Shenzhen.