"Remember her name" - Martina Navratilova calls attention to rising Russian tennis player Diana Shnaider
Martina Navratilova believes Russian tennis player Diana Shnaider is one to watch out for in the future.
The 18-year-old Shnaider turned heads with her performance at the Australian Open, reaching the second round in the main draw from qualifying. She stretched 6th seed Maria Sakkari to three sets before falling just short of victory.
Shnaider's Australian Open run propelled her into the top 100 of the WTA rankings. She has decided to continue her college tennis career while also playing on the professional circuit, making her the first woman in 30 years to play college tennis and pro tennis simultaneously.
Shnaider has been playing for the North Carolina State women’s tennis team since last year.
Navratilova is already in awe of the youngster, and she recently urged fans to "remember her name."
"This woman is motivated:), remember her name!" Martina Navratilova wrote on Twitter.
via @NYTimes-
This woman is motivated:), remember her name! nytimes.com/2023/02/27/spo…
Speaking to the New York Times in a recent interview, Shnaider suggested that she is comfortable in her own skin. She added that she is happy with her decision to keep playing college tennis after her Australian Open run and top 100 debut, despite receiving harsh criticism for it.
"I understand with my mind that I’m doing everything right, but of course when people say mean things it goes to my heart and soul," Shnaider said. "But I’m trying to just go my own way."
The teenager is set to play her first tour-level tournament since the Australian Open at this week's Monterrey Open. She takes on 4th seed Elise Mertens in the first round on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Navratilova is currently undergoing treatment and recovery after being diagnosed with throat and breast cancer earlier this year.
"Hanging in there" - Martina Navratilova shares positive health update
Earlier in February, Martina Navratilova shared an update on her health and recovery as she continued to receive chemotherapy and other forms of treatment for cancer. In response to a fan's show of concern for the 66-year-old's health, Navratilova suggested that she was doing well.
@Martina How are you @Martina? Just remember, nothing can beat YOU. 💪
@Alba_Dawn Hanging in there, thanks:)
Navratilova shared another update earlier this week as she was caught in some tennis action while in the hospital for treatment, accompanied by her pet dog Lulu. The 59-time Grand Slam winner was watching the ATP Qatar Open match between Daniil Medvedev and Christopher O'Connell.
"Lulu and @TennisChannel helping me pass the time in the hospital:)" Navratilova tweeted.
Lulu and @TennisChannel helping me pass the time in the hospital:) https://t.co/Yi6llK9m7h
Navratilova was last seen on tour during the 2022 WTA Finals, where she was one of the 'Legend Ambassadors.'