Leylah Fernandez vs. Kamilla Rakhimova — Pan Pacific Open 2026 Semifinal Match Report.
Leylah Fernandez arrived in Asia without having reached a single final in 2026. Now she has reached three in five tournaments on the continent.
The Canadian continued her outstanding run at the Pan Pacific Open on Saturday, October 31, defeating Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 7-5, 6-3 to reach another WTA 500 final.
It was not quite as straightforward as the score suggests. Fernandez trailed by a break in both sets, but each time she responded quickly and eventually took control.
RallyHer had backed Fernandez to win in straight sets, and she delivered.
Her form is there, her confidence is soaring, and her competitive edge has rarely looked sharper.
Fernandez Fights Back From 1-3 to Take the Opening Set
The Canadian’s opening service game was an unusually demanding affair, stretching through several deuces before she finally held for 1-0.
Rakhimova immediately signalled that she would not be an easy opponent.
The Uzbek broke Fernandez for 2-1, then consolidated to establish a 3-1 advantage.
But the Canadian’s response was impressive.
After holding for 3-2, Fernandez attacked Rakhimova’s next service game and converted a break point to level at 3-3.
With both players now serving more confidently, the set remained finely balanced.
Fernandez held for 4-3, Rakhimova answered for 4-4, and neither could find another opening until the closing stages.
At 5-5, Fernandez produced a solid hold to move ahead 6-5.
Rakhimova was suddenly serving to stay in the set.
The pressure told.
Fernandez broke again to take the opener 7-5, winning six of the final eight games after falling behind 1-3.
Another Early Break, Another Fernandez Recovery
Rakhimova again started the second set positively, breaking Fernandez in the opening game.
She held for 2-0, putting the Canadian in the familiar position of having to chase.
But Fernandez was not about to let the match slip away.
She held for 2-1 before breaking back to level at 2-2.
The Canadian consolidated for 3-2, although Rakhimova continued to resist, holding for 3-3.
Fernandez moved ahead 4-3 and then produced the decisive breakthrough.
At 4-3, she broke Rakhimova for the fourth time in the match to establish a commanding 5-3 lead.
There would be no late drama.
Fernandez served out the match 6-3, completing another straight-sets victory and securing her place in Sunday’s final.
For Rakhimova, it was the end of a remarkable lucky-loser campaign that included victories over Ekaterina Alexandrova and Maya Joint.
Nine Aces and a Dominant Return Game
Fernandez’s serving played an important role, particularly during the second half of the contest.
She struck nine aces, compared with Rakhimova’s two, while committing only two double faults.
The Canadian also enjoyed a substantial advantage when returning her opponent’s second serve.
| Fernandez | Statistic | Rakhimova |
|---|---|---|
| Full Match Duration: 1h54m | ||
| 1.17 | Dominance Ratio | 0.85 |
| 9 | Winners | 2 |
| 275 | Serve Rating | 231 |
| 9 | Aces | 2 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 0 |
| 67% (52/78) | 1st Serve % | 65% (40/62) |
| 65% (34/52) | 1st Serve Points Won | 63% (25/40) |
| 54% (14/26) | 2nd Serve Points Won | 41% (9/22) |
| 60% (3/5) | Break Points Saved | 33% (2/6) |
| 204 | Return Rating | 139 |
| 38% (15/40) | 1st Return Points Won | 35% (18/52) |
| 59% (13/22) | 2nd Return Points Won | 46% (12/26) |
| 4/6 | Break Points Won | 2/5 |
| 76 | Total Points Won | 64 |
Created by rallyher.comFernandez won 59% of points against Rakhimova’s second serve, a decisive advantage that helped her convert four of six break opportunities.
She also claimed 76 of the 140 points played, finishing with a dominance ratio of 1.17 against Rakhimova’s 0.85.
Most importantly, she recovered from both service breaks without allowing her opponent to build a lasting advantage.
That ability to respond immediately under pressure has become one of the defining features of her recent performances.
Three Finals in Five Asian Tournaments
Leylah Fernandez had not reached a single WTA final in 2026.
Her record on the continent now tells a completely different story.
She won the Singapore Open, defeating Ann Li in the final.
Last Sunday, she contested the Ningbo Open final, where Elena Rybakina proved too strong, winning 6-2, 6-2.
And now comes Tokyo.
Three finals in five Asian tournaments, including one title already secured.
Her recent results are particularly impressive considering the demanding schedule she has faced.
Fernandez fought through several three-set matches in Ningbo, travelled directly to Japan and defeated Himeno Sakatsume and Elise Mertens before receiving an unexpected rest day following Rybakina’s quarterfinal withdrawal.
That break proved useful.
Against Rakhimova, Fernandez looked sharp, responded confidently when placed under pressure and never allowed either early deficit to become a serious problem.
Her next opponent will be the winner of the other semifinal between Diana Shnaider and Mia Pohankova.
Whoever emerges, Fernandez will enter the final knowing that her best tennis has returned at precisely the right moment.
At the beginning of her Asian campaign, reaching a final was something Fernandez had yet to accomplish this season. Now, winning her way into championship matches is becoming a habit.
And she has another golden opportunity to turn one into a trophy.