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Chennai, November 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Poland's Magda Linette dedicated her Chennai Open title victory to the victims of a mass shooting in Krakow, where at least six people were killed and more than a dozen injured after a gunman opened fire in Main Market Square.
Linette defeated her opponent 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in the final, which was postponed by a day due to adverse weather conditions. The Polish player had finished runner-up in Chennai in 2022, losing to Linda Fruhvirtova.
“As much as I'm so happy, it's hard to celebrate because of what happened in Poland, in Krakow,” Linette said after the victory, as quoted by the WTA. “I just want to say that my heart and wishes are with all the victims and those who are hurt. In those tough moments we can really thank and appreciate one another and give that person next to us an extra hug today.”
The title marked Linette's fourth career WTA trophy and her ninth appearance in a final. Chennai became the first tournament in which she has contested multiple finals. Her previous titles came at The Bronx in 2019, Hua Hin in 2020 and Prague in 2024.
The 34-year-old began her campaign with a 7-6(3), 5-7, 6-2 victory over qualifier Aliona Falei in the longest WTA main-draw match of 2026 so far, lasting three hours and 33 minutes. After a straight-sets win over Moyuka Uchijima in the second round, Linette came from a set down in each of her final three matches.
In the quarterfinals, she also recovered after trailing Mai Hontama 5–3 in the second set and 4–2 in the deciding set. Linette spent a total of 12 hours and 28 minutes on court during the tournament.
“I fought from the very first round. I was down in almost every single match, so it really took a lot out of me, but most of all I proved to myself that I can,” she said.
Linette also reflected on overcoming a difficult period towards the end of the season, crediting her team for working together to help her regain form.