Leylah Annie Fernandez’s hopes of winning a second consecutive title in Hong Kong were dashed on Saturday, as the Canadian lost in the semi-finals in two sets of 6-4, 6-2 to Diana Shnaider.
Fernandez, who previously defeated Heather Watson, Katie Birrell and Bernarda Pera, was unable to counter Shnaider’s power and precision.
The favorite produced four aces and made five of her eight break chances to sign her first victory at the expense of the former US Open finalist.
This third meeting between the two protagonists was a demonstration of precision and powerful strikes from the back of the field.
Shnaider started the match strong by breaking her rival in the first game. However, Fernandez immediately responded to level the score. Breaks on both sides were then recorded before the players found themselves at 4-4.
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Costly unforced errors from Laval gave Shnaider the break in the ninth game. What followed was a long 11-minute service game, during which the Canadian remarkably resisted five set points. Shnaider finally scored his sixth after 47 minutes of battle.
The 14e world continued its momentum in the second act. She put pressure on her opponent’s serves and managed the break in the third game to take a 2-1 lead.
At 2-3, Fernandez requested a medical timeout for ankle pain that seemed to diminish it afterward.
Shnaider took advantage of the Canadian’s troubles to win the next three games and qualify for the final.
