Schneider sends Fernandez 6-3, 6-0 to reach the quarters of the Charleston Open
Downstate, two southpaws took to the Althea Gibson Club Court at the Credit One Charleston Open. While neither are considered clay players, these two young pros were eager to master the Har-Tru as the clay court season began.
On her twenty-second birthday, Diana Shnaider looked set to make it to the bottom eight. It is currently ranked 19but hit a career high of #11 last May. The seventh seed from Russia defeated Leylah Fernandez the last two times they competed, most recently in straight sets last January in Adelaide.
Fernandez from Canada, a year older, reached the 2021 US The open final. Soon after, she achieved a career high rank of #13 but currently ranked #23. While head to head was tied in 2-2this was their first meeting on clay.
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Shnaider won the toss and elected to serve. Although she gave up two faults on her twenty-second birthday, she saved two break points and held with three fantastic arms. Fernandez also struggled in her opening service game. She double-faulted, faced six deuces and six break points still held after three consecutive faults by her opponent.
Schneider held it easily 15 ABOUT 2-1 while Fernandez held 30 to level. of 7seed made 3/5 first serves and is held for him 15 ABOUT 3-2. During the change, additional tape was placed on her right leg.
Fernandez continued to match her opponent’s pace and placement, but with well-executed slices and shots, drew errors. The Canadian did 5/5 first it is easy to serve and maintain 15 ABOUT 3-3. Schneider double-faulted and faced deuces, but was stopped 4-3 with a tremendous inside forehand.
Fernandez, serving with new balls, faced 0-40, but with two consecutive forehand winners he reached the duel. She would face five more shots and six break points before Shnaider converted with a blistering forehand pass! The Russians held it easily 15 to consolidate the break and seal the kit.
After the opening set, Shnaider was again visited by physio. Fernandez served first in the second and although he hit three incredible winners, he was twice faced with deuces and dropped serve.
Schneider continued to apply pressure from the ground and with stellar defense. With each “come on,” she stood up and walked forward. With two additional winners, including her first ace, she consolidated the break for her 2-0.
Fernandez made three faults, including a second double fault, and dropped serve with another unforced error. Schneider continued to play aggressively, but used her variety to confuse her opponent. She lost 3/6 serves first, including another double fault but held on 30 with another winning back.
Fernandez, at times, looked flat-footed and despondent. She opened the fifth with another error, faced a break point and broke serve when Shnaider delivered a backhand lob winner.
the world #19 served for the match and a coveted spot in the final eight. She opened with a strong backhand winner and secured victory when Fernandez scored another backhand.
Schneider was impressive on serve, winning 76First % and 56% of second serve points. She was just as effective when she returned, winning 47First % and 61% of second serve return points. She saved both break points she faced on the conversion 4/15.
During her press conference, I asked her if it was a tactical decision to increase her level of aggression after failing to convert a break point in Fernandez’s opening game, and if the pain in her leg also played a role. She replied, “Not really. That was very thoughtful overall. But, to be honest, yeah, I felt a little bit of pain… Sure, like six break points in the opening game, and definitely a little bit of frustration just because you can’t get it back. But she played well in the important shots… (Yeah), she can play maybe five times, six times well, so at some point I’m going to keep doing that. I just tried to stick to my game and play the way I did.” aggressive.”
Waiting in the quarters is the reigning champion, Jessica Pegula. Native buffalo and #1 Seed has struggled in her first two matches, needing three sets and 5 ½ hour to progress. While Pegula leads head to head 2-0 (both in tough nature), they haven’t played since 2024 US Open.
it WTA 500 tournament, the largest women’s-only professional event in North America, has performed a record $2.5 million in prize money, which includes $200,000for player benefit programs. Prize money is distributed throughout the draw from qualifying to the championship game. Credit One Charleston Open is proud to embrace a model that supports players at every level on and off the course.
