Rising Russian star Diana Shnaider emerged victorious at the WTA Thailand Open on Sunday, claiming her first WTA title with a hard-fought three-set win over defending champion Zhu Lin of China. In a match that lasted nearly two hours amidst challenging and humid conditions in Hua Hin, Shnaider showcased her fierce baseline game to unsettle her opponent and secure a memorable victory.
Despite facing a brief setback in the second set as Zhu fought back from a 1-4 deficit to make it 3-4, Shnaider showed resilience and regained control by unleashing deep and powerful strokes. Breaking back to take a 5-3 lead, she comfortably sealed the first set. The intensity only intensified in the second set as Zhu mounted a comeback, winning four consecutive games from a 2-2 deadlock. Taking advantage of uncharacteristic errors from Shnaider, Zhu forced a decisive third set, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
After a short break, Shnaider returned to the court with renewed determination. Seizing the opportunity as Zhu struggled to maintain focus, the Russian player broke her opponent three times, ultimately clinching the third set 6-1 to secure her maiden WTA title. This victory marked Shnaider's second appearance in a WTA final, having previously lost to Ons Jabeur in Ningbo, China in September 2022.
Overjoyed with her achievement, Shnaider expressed her elation, comparing the win to a Grand Slam triumph. 'I feel like I won a Grand Slam. I'm not lying, guys. This win will stay in my memory for a long time,' she shared after the match. The left-handed player highlighted her dedication and effort, emphasizing how she gave her all for every shot, especially during the thrilling final points of the match.
In the doubles final, Miyu Kato of Japan and Aldila Sutjiadi of Indonesia secured their third title as a pair by defeating the Chinese duo of Hanyu Guo and Xinyu Jiang in a hard-fought contest. After winning in Auckland and Cleveland in 2023, Kato and Sutjiadi added the WTA Thailand Open title to their collection, further solidifying their partnership.
Diana Shnaider's triumph at the WTA Thailand Open has signaled her arrival on the professional tennis circuit. With her fierce baseline game and unwavering determination, the Russian player has firmly cemented her status as a rising star to watch out for. As she continues to make strides in her career, Shnaider's maiden title will undoubtedly serve as a memorable milestone on her path to success.
