Shnaider beats Fernandez in Tokyo for first title of the season

Diana Shnaider secured her first WTA title of the season by seeing off Leylah Fernandez 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in Tokyo on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Russian wrapped up the sixth championship of her career having started as the third seed.

She is expected to rise back to a career-high 11th in the rankings but that is not enough for a spot in the WTA Finals starting on November 8, unless there is a glut of injuries among the top eight.

“It means definitely a lot, so definitely a great achievement and a great finish to the season. I want to also say huge thanks to my family who is watching at home and also super happy,” she said courtside.