Fernandez beats Rakhimova to set up Tokyo final against Shnaider

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Leylah Fernandez reached her second final in successive weeks by beating Kamilla Rakhimova 7–5, 6–3 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Saturday. The Canadian will face third seed Diana Shnaider for the WTA 500 title on Sunday.

Fernandez needed 1 hour, 54 minutes to overcome Rakhimova, recovering from an early break of serve in each set. She struck nine aces as she continued a strong run during the Asian swing and moved within one victory of her seventh career WTA Tour title.

Rakhimova had entered the main draw as a lucky loser after being eliminated in qualifying. The world No. 66 was seeking her first tour-level final, but Fernandez recovered from both setbacks to end that run in straight sets.

Shnaider completed the final line-up with a 6–4, 7–6 (7) victory over Slovak teenager Mia Pohankova in the second semi-final. The third seed had already come through a demanding quarter-final against Alexandra Eala on Friday, winning 2–6, 7–6 (5), 6–4.

For Fernandez, Sunday brings a third final of the season and another opportunity to add to the Singapore Open title she won in September. She was runner-up in Ningbo last weekend, losing to Elena Rybakina in the championship match.

The two had been due to meet again in the Tokyo quarter-finals, but Rybakina withdrew with a neck injury on Friday, giving Fernandez a walkover into the last four. Saturday’s victory then secured the Canadian’s place in another title match on court, with Shnaider now standing between her and a second trophy of 2026.