Leylah Fernandez wins hearts with emotional speech at Pan Pacific Open

Leylah Fernandez lost the Pan Pacific Open final to Diana Shnaider in three sets. Fernandez fought back to win the second set after falling behind 0-4.

The 24-year old Canadian tennis star was vying for her seventh career WTA title and the second in just over a month. She was extra teary after the match ended. Fernandez quickly let the fans know why in her trophy presentation speech.

In that moment, she won more fans than if she lifted the championship trophy.

MORE: Leylah Fernandez wins Singapore Open

Fernandez sent a message to her grandfather

Fernandez told fans that her Filipino grandfather passed away this week.

🇨🇦Leylah Fernandez not taking the Championship loss in Tokyo very well at all. This breaks my heart to see.

She’s played incredibly well this month & entire Asian swing. Nothing to hang her head about. Maybe her season is finished – she deserves the rest. #CdnTennis #TorayPPO https://t.co/SvJvNR4JAM

— Jacob Pacheco (@JacobPacheco6) November 1, 2026

She sent a message to her Lolo (Tagalog for Grandpa).

Fernandez said: “Uh, Lolo, I know you’re looking down on us, so thank you for always being strong and supporting us. And I know you’re gonna take care of us from above, so thank you.”

MORE: Leylah Fernandez knocks out French Open champion Mirra Andreeva at National Bank Open

Fernandez played a great Asian swing

The fall Asian swing has been chaotic in terms of players’ health and consistent play. Fernandez is one of the select few who played well throughout winning the Singapore Open and finishing as the Ningbo Open finalist.

For the first time since 2022, she climbs back into the WTA Top 20 in the live rankings with her recent Asian swing successes.

Fernandez has shown that she is formidable in both singles and doubles getting to the Ningbo quarterfinals with partner Marta Kostyuk. She played with many partners in 2026 including her Pan Pacific Open opponent, Diana Shnaider at Roland Garros and Venus Williams at the Miami Open.

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