The WTA 500 Brisbane International Round of 32 presents an interesting contest between two players at opposite ends of form and momentum. In-form Russian rising star Diana Shnaider will go up against resilient Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in a captivating encounter. World No. 13 Shnaider is fresh off a title win, while No. 55-ranked Kalinina is looking to bounce back after a tough year. Will Shnaider's scorching form and aggression prove too much, or can the grit and experience of Kalinina pull off an upset? Let's break it down.
What’s your prediction? Can Kalinina pull off an upset, or will Shnaider dominate once again? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Claim Welcome BonusDiana Shnaider
Diana Shnaider has seen an astronomical growth this year. She surely has had enough to get herself entrenched among the best young prospects in the WTA Tour. The 19-year-old Russian comes into this match 8-2 in her last 10 matches, with a career-best year-to-date record of 55-23. Consistent performances, along with the knack to pull through in crucial junctures, saw her secure four titles this year, the dominant display at the WTA 250 Hong Kong final in which she dismantled Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-2.
Shnaider's game relies on her strong lefty forehand and an unbreakable first serve - something that was reflected in the statistics coming out of her last match: 75% first-serve percentage and zero double faults. Her return game has been quite handy too, converting 50% of the break points in her last outing, but she tends to get out of sorts when her serve gets broken.
This tournament gives Shnaider a chance to nail her place in the echelons of the game and build on an already impressive credential portfolio.
Anhelina Kalinina
So far, 2024 has been a rollercoaster for Anhelina Kalinina, and she seeks a change in fortunes as the year wears on. The Ukrainian hasn't found the best form of late, putting up a 2-6 mark in her last eight outings. Yet, she fought through her last match against Yafan Wang until the latter retired mid-match.
Kalinina's game prospers off of that counterpunching to redirect pace, but she has some real stats worries. Serving only 69 percent of her first serves inside and committing two double faults in her last match-inconsistent. Saving 33% of break points is also leaving room for improvement against a heavy hitter like Shnaider.
Despite these challenges, much fighting spirit and tactical adaptability have come from Kalinina. She has her work cut out to outlast the firepower of her younger opponent.
Expert Betting Tips
Shnaider's aggressive style of play will probably put Kalinina on the back foot right from the get-go. If Shnaider can manage to bully the points with her heavy groundstrokes, then the Ukrainian will have to look deep into her defensive artillery to stay competitive.
While Shnaider has been rock-solid with her serve of late, Kalinina's inconsistency may hurt her chances. However, the knack for returning well by Kalinina-51% first-serve return points in her last match-might be helpful in disrupting Shnaider's rhythm.
While Shnaider's youth and momentum might be on her side, Kalinina's experience with grinding out matches could make all the difference during important moments-particularly once the match becomes one of physical, tactical chess.
- Diana Shnaider Wins in Straight Sets @ 1.69 Odds
- Anhelina Over 2.5 Breaks @ 2.00 Odds
- Anhelina Wins a Set (No) @ 1.57 Odds
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