North Carolina State University Athletics
Diana Shnaider Begins Miami Open with Win Over Venus Williams
3/20/2024 9:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Open began Tuesday with former Wolfpack star and the 62nd-ranked player in the world, Diana Shnaider, making waves in the tennis world as she defeated three-time champion and one of the most decorated players of all time Venus Williams, 6-3, 6-3 in straight sets to advance.
Williams was making her 22nd appearance in the tournament, the most by any player ever, while Shnaider was only making her second year in the tournament.
Shnaider entered the tournament in good form, reaching the Charleston WTA 125 final last week and her first WTA Tour Title last month at the Thailand Open.
In a match that lasted three hours and 19 minutes, Shnaider did not have it easy. Williams went on a three-game streak to take a 3-2 lead in the first set and opened the second with a 3-1 advantage.
However, the former ACC Freshman of the Year was not phased, striking 22 winners to Williams's 15 and keeping her unforced error count to 14 compared to the Willaims's 24. Six double faults also contributed to Williams's loss, including one on break point in the penultimate game of the match.
Shnaider will next face another American, No.17 seed Madison Keys, in the second round, where she will bid for her third career Top 20 win.
Williams was making her 22nd appearance in the tournament, the most by any player ever, while Shnaider was only making her second year in the tournament.
Shnaider entered the tournament in good form, reaching the Charleston WTA 125 final last week and her first WTA Tour Title last month at the Thailand Open.
In a match that lasted three hours and 19 minutes, Shnaider did not have it easy. Williams went on a three-game streak to take a 3-2 lead in the first set and opened the second with a 3-1 advantage.
However, the former ACC Freshman of the Year was not phased, striking 22 winners to Williams's 15 and keeping her unforced error count to 14 compared to the Willaims's 24. Six double faults also contributed to Williams's loss, including one on break point in the penultimate game of the match.
Shnaider will next face another American, No.17 seed Madison Keys, in the second round, where she will bid for her third career Top 20 win.
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