Poland's Magda Linette supported the decision to postpone the Chennai Open final because of health risks linked to pollution from Diwali firecrackers, but believed the organisers could have planned the match timing more effectively. The 34-year-old also brought an end to a difficult spell by winning her first title in over two years, defeating defending champion Janice Tjen 5-7, 6-1, 6-4 in Chennai on Monday.
The women's singles final was initially scheduled for Sunday but was delayed by a day after rain and poor air quality disrupted the tournament. As firecracker smoke and smog spread across the city, the decision to hold the final on Diwali had come under scrutiny.
The WTA had released its 2026 calendar in October 2025, more than a year before the tournament. However, Linette felt the scheduling of the final could have been handled better.
"The main concern was pollution and health. We cannot expose ourselves to such risks. It is harmful for the ball kids and for everyone watching as well," she said after winning the title on Monday.
She was pleased that journalists understood the situation and stayed for another day, adding that the unhealthy conditions would have affected the quality of the match had it gone ahead on Sunday.
While agreeing with the decision to postpone the final, the former Australian Open semi-finalist suggested that the match should have taken place earlier in the day, before the firecrackers were set off.
"I think the match should have been played earlier, before the firecrackers began. That is something that needs to be considered next time. I am happy that the tournament continues to be hosted during the holidays, but the day's schedule could have been better," she said.
For Linette, the triumph was especially meaningful after two challenging seasons on the professional circuit. Following her run to the Australian Open semi-finals in 2023, she suffered first-round exits at all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2024 and struggled to maintain consistency this season.
LINETTE ENDS TITLE DROUGHT
After being knocked out in the first round of the US Open, Linette failed to progress beyond the second round in five consecutive tournaments. She revealed that she had not even been sure about travelling to Chennai until her team made the decision on her behalf.
"I went to bed and woke up at 11. My team woke me up and told me, 'We are going, we have decided for you'. I just said, okay," she recalled.
The decision turned out to be a successful one. Linette battled through each round to win the trophy, displaying the determination that had been absent from her recent performances.
"I was really determined this week, and I am very proud of myself. After so many difficult weeks, we fought hard in every match and managed to win," she said.
The final also tested her resolve. After losing a closely fought opening set, Linette bounced back strongly to take the second before holding her composure in the deciding set. When Tjen threatened to gain the upper hand, Linette briefly remembered her defeat in the 2022 Chennai final against Linda Fruhvirtova.
"When I lost that break, I thought, 'Not again', because that was what happened to me the last time. I am glad I managed to serve it out better this time," she said.
The victory will also help Linette return to the world's top 50, strengthening her chances of gaining direct entry into major tournaments at the beginning of next season.
