America’s Jessica Pegula takes on the Russian prodigy, Diana Shnaider in the R16 of the 2024 US Open. Both of these players have been in red-hot form season. Who will strike the iron while it’s hot? JP thinks it’s going to be a bit more challenging than their previous meeting since it’s a “different city, different conditions, different situation.” Pegula is currently 12-1 on the American hard courts in the 2024 season. America’s number 2 has looked quite impressive in the last few tournaments. So, it might be a bit tough to go against her on American soil, despite knowing Shnaider has had a breakthrough season. So what are the detailed odds?

Jessica Pegula vs Diana Shnaider: Preview

Pegula has played some exceptional brand of tennis in the last few months. She has already won two titles this season and her best record at this tournament has been reaching the QF in 2022. Can see repeat the same feat two years later? Well, started her campaign pretty well here by defeating her compatriots, Shelby Rogers, and Sofia Kenin in the first two matches. Then, in the third round, she beat the Spaniard, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro by 6-3,6-3.

Diana Shnaider, on the other hand, has won four titles so far in this season. She is one of the most improved players on the Tour in 2024. Shnaider has been quite dominating in her previous three matches. She started her campaign at the US Open by defeating Nadia Podoroska (ARG) by 6-0,6-1 and then again she took two sets to beat Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the R2. In the third round, she outclassed Sara Errani (ITA) by 6-2,6-2. Looking at her previous scorelines, we can say Pegula is surely going to face a tough challenge in this match!

Pegula vs Shnaider: Head-to-Head

They have played against each other only once in their careers so far. Although Jessica Pegula has an edge over Diana Shnaider in the H2H, she thinks Shnaider is now going to know more about what to expect from her opponent in this match. Pegula said, “She’s (Shnaider) been super match-tough this year.”

• 2024 Canadian Open SF: Pegula 6-4,6-3.

Prediction: Pegula to win in three sets

Well, beating Pegula on the American hard courts is like a mammoth task! Having said that, there is no doubt about the potential of this 20-year-old. On her day, Diana Shnaider can surely disrupt any equations that have been put on her table. Shnaider is currently ranked 18th in the world and she has a win-loss record of 33-15. That’s quite an impressive stat for a youngster, isn’t it? Jessica Pegula (6) has a win-loss record of 33-12 as of now.

Pegula’s all-around game will be put to the test against someone who loves to play an aggressive brand of tennis. Jessica Pegula loves hitting flat groundstrokes and she can also utilize her wide wingspan to full effect. Power and precision are two of her key elements in the game. Her favorite shot is the backhand down the line and to remind you, JP is usually always spot on with her tactics. So, Shnaider needs to be very careful in this match and she must not let Pegula dictate the match right from the word go.

Diana Shnaider, on the other hand, is known for her incredible serving abilities and slashing forehands. However, she has committed quite a few double faults this season. If we look at the numbers, she has hit 85 aces so far this season and committed nearly 99 double faults as per the WTA Tour’s record. Surprisingly, in their last meeting, Shnaider failed to hit a single ace but did commit 4 double faults. For someone who’s known for his fiery serves to put her opponents on the back foot, this is a bit strange. So, Shnaider needs to bring more precision in her services to get the better of someone like Pegula.

At the Canadian Open, we saw Pegula was quite able to handle Shnaider’s lefty serve and neutralize her topspin forehand with her flatter and more penetrating two-handed backhands. So, we’re expecting a similar approach from the experienced campaigner. With the support of the home crowd, the American may get a slight edge over here. However, there’s no doubt, that Shnaider will make things a bit tougher for Pegula in this match.