Leylah Fernandez Storms Back! Beats Chwalinska to Reach Singapore Open 2026 Final 🎾
Leylah Fernandez is through to the Singapore Open 2026 final. The No. 6 seed recovered from a difficult opening set to defeat No. 5 seed Maja Chwalinska 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a dramatic semifinal on September 26.
Chwalinska controlled the opening set, but Fernandez gradually turned the match around. The Canadian levelled the contest in the second set before taking charge in the decider to complete the comeback after two hours and eight minutes.
Fernandez vs Chwalinska: Full Score
| Player | Set 1 | Set 2 | Set 3 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leylah Fernandez (6) | 1 | 6 | 6 | Winner |
| Maja Chwalinska (5) | 6 | 4 | 2 | Runner-up |
Chwalinska Starts Fast
The match initially looked to be heading in Chwalinska's direction. The Polish fifth seed dominated the opening set, winning it 6-1 and putting Fernandez under immediate pressure.
Fernandez struggled to establish the same rhythm she had shown during her quarterfinal victory over top seed Mirra Andreeva. Chwalinska took advantage and moved within one set of the final.
Fernandez Turns the Match Around
The Canadian responded in the second set. Fernandez found a better balance between baseline play and moving forward, eventually taking the set 6-4 to force a deciding set.
The turnaround continued into the third. Chwalinska had an early break point that would have given her a 2-0 lead, but Fernandez saved it and levelled the set at 1-1 before taking control.
Fernandez Pulls Away in the Decider
Fernandez broke twice in the deciding set to build a commanding advantage. She eventually closed out the match 6-2 and secured her place in the Singapore Open final.
The victory gives Fernandez her first tour-level final of the 2026 season. It also continues a strong Singapore campaign that has seen her defeat the top seed before overcoming another seeded opponent in the semifinals.
Fernandez's Numbers Tell the Story
Fernandez finished the semifinal with 31 winners, compared with 15 for Chwalinska. She also won 22 of the 37 points when approaching the net.
The Canadian did have 43 unforced errors, compared with 28 from Chwalinska, but her attacking play ultimately produced enough decisive points to complete the comeback.
Leylah Fernandez
31 winners
22/37 points won at the net
Maja Chwalinska
15 winners
28 unforced errors
Chwalinska's Singapore Run Ends in the Semifinal
Chwalinska leaves Singapore after an impressive run to the last four. The No. 5 seed had defeated defending champion Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals before taking the opening set against Fernandez.
WTA reported ahead of the semifinal that Chwalinska had conceded only 11 games across her first three matches of the tournament. Her Singapore campaign therefore ends with a semifinal appearance after a strong run through the WTA 500 draw.
Fernandez Reaches the Singapore Open Final
Fernandez now waits for the winner of the tournament's other semifinal matchup. Tatiana Prozorova was originally scheduled to face Talia Gibson, but Prozorova withdrew from the singles semifinal following a head injury sustained during doubles play, sending Gibson through to the final by walkover.
That means Fernandez will face Talia Gibson in the Singapore Open 2026 final. It will be Fernandez's first meeting with Gibson on tour.
What Comes Next for Fernandez?
Fernandez has now moved one win away from the Singapore Open title. After recovering from a 1-6 opening set against Chwalinska, the Canadian will enter the championship match with the momentum of a three-set semifinal comeback.
The Singapore Open final is scheduled for September 27, 2026. Fernandez will face Australian Talia Gibson, who reached the championship match without playing her semifinal after Prozorova's withdrawal.
Singapore Open 2026 Semifinal Result
Leylah Fernandez's comeback keeps her Singapore Open title hopes alive. After dropping the opening set 6-1, she won the next two sets 6-4, 6-2 to defeat Maja Chwalinska and book her place in the championship match.