🎾 WTA Madrid: Diana Shnaider vs Anastasija Sevastova

🎾 WTA Madrid: Diana Shnaider vs Anastasija Sevastova – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇷🇺 Diana Shnaider

• Form Search: Hasn’t won consecutive matches since the Australian Open, struggling with consistency.
• Strong Start: Opened Madrid with a dominant 6–1, 6–2 win over Volynets—looked sharp and focused.
• Breakout Year: Won four WTA 250 titles in 2023, including a clay title in Budapest.
• Big Stage Impact: Reached the semifinals at Toronto WTA 1000 and the fourth round at the US Open last season.

🇱🇻 Anastasija Sevastova

• Comeback Charge: Playing only her second tournament after recovering from ACL surgery and maternity leave.
• Upset Specialist: Shocked Pavlyuchenkova and newly crowned Stuttgart champion Ostapenko in her last two matches.
• Madrid Magic: Semifinalist here in 2017 and consistently strong results at the Caja Mágica.
• Playing Loose: With no ranking pressure, she’s showcasing her creative shot-making and tactical mastery.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Shnaider has the firepower and youthful energy to dominate, but she’s prone to lapses in rhythm and shot selection when pressured. Her win over Volynets was a good sign, but Sevastova’s experience, slices, drop shots, and ability to change the pace will present a far trickier challenge.

Sevastova’s comfort at altitude and her ability to force longer rallies could frustrate Shnaider if the match becomes a grind. The Russian will need to stay aggressive yet composed—no easy task against a wily veteran who thrives on opponents’ impatience.

🔮 Prediction

✔️ Prediction: Diana Shnaider in 3 sets

Expect momentum swings and tactical adjustments throughout, but Shnaider’s firepower and athleticism should eventually break through—if she can keep her emotions in check.

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