Hong Kong Open Shnaider downs Fernandez for a shot at the title

Russian Diana Shnaider, the top seed, beat Canadian Leylah Fernandez, the No 3 seed, 6-4, 6-2 to reach the final of the Hong Kong Open at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay on Saturday.

Shnaider needed less than 90 minutes to overcome Fernandez for the first time in her career. She broke the Canadian’s serve five times during the match and hit aces, averaging 61 percent on the first serve.

This will be the Russian’s fourth shot at a title in the 2024 season, having clinched glory in Budapest, Bad Homburg, and Hua Hin.

Shnaider, ranked No 14, will play second seed Katie Boulter next.

The 20-year-old Russian won against Japanese qualifier Kyoka Okamura (6-3, 6-3), Australian Priscilla Hon (6-4, 6-1) and Dutchwoman Suzan Lamens (6-0, 6-7 (4), 6-2) earlier in the tournament.

In the previous rounds of the Hong Kong tournament, Fernandez, ranked No 32, won against Heather Watson (6-2, 6-2), Australian Kimberly Birrell (6-1, 6-2) and American Bernarda Pera, the No 9 seed (6-1, 7-6 (7)).

Hong Kong WTA 250, other semi-final result (Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, hard, USD 267.082):

• Katie Boulter beat Yuan Yue (6): 6-2, 5-7, 6-2

Read also

Hong Kong Open: Boulter passes the Yuan test to make final

Tennis Majors