Leylah Fernandez thanks Filipino fans after Singapore Open first-round win

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 22, 2026

Photo courtesy: Leylah Fernandez | Facebook

SINGAPORE — Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez advanced to the second round of the Singapore Tennis Open after defeating Japanese qualifier Kyoka Okamura, 6-2, 6-3, on Monday, September 21.

The sixth-seeded Fernandez needed two hours and 19 minutes to complete the straight-sets victory at OCBC Arena, with the Women’s Tennis Association noting that the scoreline did not reflect how closely contested the match was.

After the victory, Fernandez took time during her on-court interview to acknowledge and thank the Filipino fans in the crowd for their support.

The reception continued Fernandez’s long connection with Filipino supporters around the world. Ahead of the Singapore tournament, she spoke about the Filipino community’s support for both her and Filipina player Alexandra Eala, saying she had felt that backing throughout her career.

“Wherever I was around the world there was always a beautiful crowd that was supporting me,” Fernandez said in an interview ahead of the tournament.

Fernandez, currently ranked World No. 31, entered the WTA 500 tournament as a wildcard and the No. 6 seed. The Singapore Tennis Open runs from September 21 to 27 at OCBC Arena.

She will next face either Alycia Parks or lucky loser Mei Yamaguchi in the second round.