Venus Williams vs Diana Shnaider: 2024 Miami Open - Preview & Prediction

Venus Williams returned to tennis in Indian Wells, and she will continue the comeback at the Miami Open against Diana Shnaider.

After many months away from the courts, Williams returned to the WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells. She put forward an impressive showing against Nao Hibino, easily taking the first set.

Unfortunately for her, she couldn't keep up the high level and lost the next two sets easily. Despite losing, it was a pretty positive showing from Williams, who hopes to keep that going in Miami.

The draw was even less kind this time around, as Venus is facing a young and pretty energetic player who likes to really take it to opponents. It will be interesting to see how she deals with this matchup, as it's not a good one for her on paper.

Head-to-head:

Obviously, Williams and Shnaider never played against each other because the Russian started to play on the WTA Tour only recently, during the time when Williams was mostly injured.

It's a pretty problematic matchup for the American because Shnaider will move her around the court, and she won't like that very much.

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I expect a good showing from Williams as long as her ball-striking remains pretty decent. That was the case in Indian Wells for a while.

Prediction:

I'm going to be pretty honest and admit that I don't see Williams winning this match. I don't even see her winning a set because I think the Russian will push her from the start.

Shnaider had some pretty good showings this year, and I think she's just too energetic and young not to win this match. She might not have the experience, but youth should carry her past Williams here.

Prediction: Diana Shnaider to win in two sets.

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