Wuhan Open 2024: Leylah Fernandez vs Diana Shnaider preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Leylah Fernandez vs (12) Diana Shnaider
Date: 7 October, 2024
Tournament: 2024 Wuhan Open
Round: First Round (Round of 64)
Venue: Optics Valley International Tennis Center, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize Money: $3,221,715
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | India - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Leylah Fernandez vs Diana Shnaider preview
Leylah Fernandez will square off against 12th seed Diana Shnaider in a highly anticipated first-round encounter at the 2024 Wuhan Open on Monday, October 7.
Leylah Fernandez's season has been marred by inconsistency, as reflected in her 22-20 match record. She has reached one final so far, in Eastbourne, where she lost to Daria Kasatkina. Fernandez also made quarterfinal appearances in Qatar, Birmingham, and Cincinnati, but has failed to win more than two consecutive matches in other tournaments.
Her recent form has been particularly disappointing, with a three-match losing streak that began in Cleveland against Ana Bogdan, followed by early exits at the US Open to Anastasia Potapova and at the China Open to Peyton Stearns.
Diana Shnaider by contrast is enjoying a breakout season on tour. She captured her first WTA title in Hua Hin, defeating Zhu Lin in three sets. She won her second on the grass in Bad Homburg, overcoming Donna Vekic in the final. Shnaider secured her third title of the year in Budapest, beating Aliaksandra Sasnovich in straight sets.
Her North American hardcourt swing was also impressive, with runs to the semifinals in Toronto and the fourth round at the US Open. She made the semifinals in Korea a couple of weeks ago where she lost to compatriot Kasatkina. Her latest appearance in China was cut short in the second round by Magdalena Frech.
Leylah Fernandez vs Diana Shnaider head-to-head
Leylah Fernandez leads Diana Shnaider 1-0 in their head-to-head, having won their only encounter 6-1, 6-4 in Cincinnati earlier this year.
Leylah Fernandez vs Diana Shnaider odds
(Odds sourced from BetMGM)
Leylah Fernandez vs Diana Shnaider pick
Leylah Fernandez heads into the Wuhan Open on a three-match losing streak, with her form on hardcourt leaving much to be desired. Her best appearance on the surface was a strong run at home in Toronto. She has, however, failed to string together more than two consecutive wins elsewhere. Most of her success this season has come on grass.
In contrast, Diana Shnaider has been in much better form recently, despite a surprising early exit in China last week. Fatigue may be a factor for the young Russian, but her skill and improvement throughout the season are undeniable.
Though Fernandez prevailed over Shnaider in their previous meeting, the slower courts in China might favor the latter game this time around. Her stronger overall season and desire for revenge make her a formidable opponent.
With momentum on Shnaider's side, Fernandez could face an uphill battle, with the result likely to turn from their previous encounter.
Pick: Diana Shnaider in straight sets.