Fernandez will play Australian Talia Gibson in her ninth Tour-level final in their first meeting. She is chasing a sixth title and second at the WTA 500 level after Washington last year.
The world number 31, who received a last-minute wild card, defeated top seed Mirra Andreeva 6-2, 7-5 on Friday. Her earlier wins came against American Alicia Parks 6-4, 6-3 and Japan’s Kyoka Okamura 6-2, 6-3.
Chwalinska ran through the opening set, mixing pieces, heavy spinning and tempo changes. At 5-0, 15-40 on Fernandez’s serve, he ended one long point with a flat backhand winner.
Then Fernandez reduced the points, came forward and took the ball earlier. Chwalinska recovered from 1-3 to 3-3 in the second set, but the Canadian did not break. She broke at her first chance at 4-4 and took the set on her second set point when Chwalinska hit a forehand return.
I worked very hard this year, trying to regain my confidence, my movement, maintaining health not only physically, but also mentally.
The third set lasted more than 50 minutes. Fernandez saved a break point at 0-1, took a 3-1 lead and sealed the match with a backhand winner.
“I went into the first set very tense, nervous,” Fernandez said. “I was trying to force some shots that weren’t there. I was trying to hit winners when I needed to work the ball, I needed to work the point.”
He said the crowd held him back as he watched. “When I got my first game in the sixth game, the first set, and I heard the cheers, I was like, OK, they’re not going to give up on me, so let me not give up on them.” It is his first final this year.
“It’s about time, man, it feels good,” he said. “This year there have been a lot of misfortunes that I have faced. I’ve worked really hard this year trying to get my confidence back, my mobility back, staying healthy not only physically but mentally as well.”
Chwalinska, a Roland Garros finalist, was playing only her second WTA 500 main draw in singles. She defeated Belgian No. 4 Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-2, Ukrainian Oleksandra Oliinikova 6-0, 6-1 and Slovakian Wild Card Rebeka Sramkova 6-4, 6-2.
“He was playing better. He deserved to win,” Chwalinska said. “I’m definitely very thankful for this week. I’m glad to finally get some wins.”
