In a highly anticipated matchup at the Wuhan Open on Sunday, Diana Shnaider and Leylah Fernandez will face off for the second time this year in the round of 64. Shnaider reached the semi-finals of the Hana Bank Open last month before falling to Daria Kasatkina, while Fernandez suffered an early exit at the US Open, losing to Yulia Putintseva.
Shnaider, the Olympic silver medallist in Women’s doubles, has had a mixed year on the hard court in 2024. Despite losing her opening matches in three hard court tournaments, she made it to two finals and emerged victorious at the Hua Hin Open in Thailand. Seeded #12 at the Wuhan Open, Shnaider boasts a 72.5% service game win rate in 50 matches this year and has hit a total of 93 aces. Her last first-round exit at a WTA event was at the hands of Yue Yan at the Liberma Open in June.
In 2024, Shnaider has won 43.8% of her return points and converted 45.8% of her break point opportunities. On the other hand, Fernandez, a singles finalist at the 2021 US Open, has struggled in recent matches, losing her last three outings in deciding sets. Despite committing nearly 200 double faults in 41 matches this year, Fernandez has won over 65% of her first serves and close to 70% of her service games. While her overall service game has been inconsistent, she has saved 57.7% of break points and converted 43.1% of her own chances.
The stage is set for an exciting showdown between Shnaider and Fernandez, as both players look to showcase their skills and advance in the Wuhan Open. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling match between these two talented athletes.