Leylah Fernandez needed just two days to shock two ranked opponents in Singapore. The Canadian toppled fifth-seeded Maja Chwalinska on Saturday to book her ninth career tour-level final.

That win came a day after Fernandez stunned top-seeded Mirra Andreeva in the quarterfinals. The wild card has turned the Singapore Tennis Open presented by BNP Paribas into her personal breakthrough.

Fernandez Grinds Past Chwalinska in Three Sets

The World No. 31 only cracked the main draw at the last minute this week. She now stands one win from a sixth career title and a second WTA 500 crown.

Fernandez needed a full set to adjust to Chwalinska’s unpredictable game. The Pole’s mix of slices, heavy topspin, and pace changes gave the Canadian trouble early at The Kallang.

Chwalinska raced through the first set, at one point leading 5-0. Fernandez settled in from there, dictating rallies and taking the ball earlier as the match wore on.

Fernandez broke serve at 4-4 in the second set and closed it out on her next chance. Chwalinska nearly clawed back from 1-3 to level at 3-3, but Fernandez refused to fold.

The decider took more than 50 minutes to complete. Fernandez saved a break point down 0-1, built a 3-1 cushion, and closed it out with a backhand winner down the line.

Chwalinska, ranked No. 25, is a Grand Slam champion enjoying a rapid rise. Saturday’s semifinal was still just her second WTA 500 main draw appearance in singles.

Fernandez Reflects on Nerves and a Roaring Crowd

Fernandez admitted the semifinal did not start smoothly. Asked about her slow start, she pointed to nerves rather than any tactical problem.

“I mean, the first set I came in very stressed, nervous. And it’s normal, I mean, it’s the semi-finals; we both want to get into the finals,” Fernandez said.

“Maja is such an amazing person and also a player. She’s tricky to play against. I tried to force some shots that weren’t there.

“I tried to hit winners when I needed to work the ball, needed to work the point. Even though my coach was telling me the right things, I just wasn’t in the right headspace.”

Fernandez also credited a shift in mentality for turning the match around. She said her focus settled once she stopped forcing the issue.

“That first set came and went very quickly. But in the second set, I was just happy that at the end of the first set, I was able to kind of find a little bit more of the rhythm,” she said.

“And in the second set, I said, okay, let’s just keep working, I’ll get my opportunities and, you know, try to stay positive as much as possible. Just little by little, my game started to click. And in the third set, it just felt more comfortable, more at ease.”

The crowd played a role too, according to Fernandez. She said the support pushed her to keep fighting even when she trailed early.

“The crowd still cheered and tried to get me a third game, fourth game, fifth game. That just helped me into never quitting,” Fernandez said.

“So when I did get my first game in the sixth game, in the first set, and I heard the cheers, and I was like, OK, they’re not going to give up on me, so let me not give up on them either. Not give up on myself.

“I guess the crowd definitely helped me see that, OK, the fight is not over. I can always go to a third set. I’m always like physically good and fresh,” she added.

Reaching her first final of the year means plenty to Fernandez. She has spent months chasing her form and health after a difficult stretch.

“It’s about time, man. It feels good. I mean, there’s been a lot of work,” Fernandez said.

“There’s been a lot of adversity that I faced this year. So for me, it’s just a lot of pride.

“I worked very hard throughout the years. I worked very hard this year trying to get my confidence back, my movement back, keeping healthy, not only physically but also mentally.

“So, you know, being able to get to the finals this year means a lot. Hopefully I get to continue with a good tennis and a good mentality. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.”

Fernandez will next face Australian Talia Gibson in Sunday’s final, their first-ever meeting. A win would give the Canadian a sixth career title and a second WTA 500 crown, following her triumph in Washington last year.