Match Preview: Diana Shnaider vs. Viktoriya Tomova – Cathay Pacific Open
Diana Shnaider faces Viktoriya Tomova in the second round of the Cathay Pacific Open, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals.
Player Profiles:
- Diana Shnaider: Currently ranked 16th, Shnaider received a bye into the second round. At just 20 years old, she has secured three titles this year, including one on hard courts. However, her recent form has been concerning, as she has lost her last three matches—each in three sets—against opponents ranked within the top 35. Her last significant performance was a semi-final run at the Korea Open last month.
- Viktoriya Tomova: Ranked 49th, Tomova comes off an impressive victory against defending champion Veronika Kudermetova in straight sets in her opening match. Although she has faced Shnaider previously—losing that match on clay while only winning one game—Tomova has shown resilience. She’s experienced a mixed recent record, with three losses in her last four matches, but her round one performance indicates improved form.
Prediction:
Considering Shnaider’s recent struggles and Tomova’s strong start, we predict a competitive match that could easily see over 19.5 games played, given both players’ ability to extend rallies.