By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, October 30, 2026
Photo credit: Screen Shot
Leylah Fernandez extended her Asian run taking a walkover into the Tokyo semifinal.
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Toray Pan Pacific Open due to a neck injury sending Fernandez into the semifinal on a walkover.
“Dear fans, I’m very sorry to announce that I’ve had to withdraw from my next match,” Rybakina said a statement. “Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing inflammation and pain in my neck, which has been affecting my ability to play at my best.
“It’s a very difficult decision, as I love playing here and always appreciate the incredible support from the fans. I hope to be back again next year. Thank you all for your understanding and support.”
Last Sunday, the top-seeded Rybakina repelled Fernandez 6-2, 6-2 to successfully defend her Ningbo crown, collecting her 15th career championship.
An imposing Rybakina ripped 25 winners—15 more than the Canadian left-hander—and saved all five break points she faced in a 76-minute triumph.
The 2021 US Open finalist Fernandez has won 15 of her last 19 matches, a hard-court surge that includes collecting her sixth title in Singapore and her run to the Ningbo final.
The 23rd-ranked Fernandez will play for her 11th career final when she faces Kamilla Rakhimova in the semifinals.
Lucky loser Rakhimova defeated Aussie qualifier Maya Joint 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to advance to her maiden WTA 500 semifinal.
Slovak wild card Mia Pohankova defeated American Alycia Parks 7-6(3), 6-3 to power into her maiden Tokyo semifinal.
The 18-year-old Pohankova shocked former No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-3, 7-5 on Thursday and backed up that momentous victory today.
World No. 144 Pohankova has not dropped a set reaching the semifinals where she will face Roland Garros semifinalist Diana Shnaider.
In an all-lefty clash, the third-seeded Shnaider stopped Alexandra Eala 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in a two hour, 52-minute battle.
It is Shnaider’s fifth semifinal of the season and second straight final four appearance.
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