Jessica Pegula has now become only the fourth player in the Open Era to reach four consecutive SF at the Canadian Open. Last year she won the title. Can she repeat the same heroics in the 2024 season as well? The answer currently lies in the hands of the first-timer in Toronto, Diana Shnaider. The 20-year-old Russian is now the youngest semifinalist here since Bianca Andreescu‘s historic feat five years ago. She has been in good form this season. Now it’ll be interesting to see how well she handles the pressure against the defending champion in Toronto.

Jessica Pegula vs Diana Shnaider: Preview

Pegula has struggled a bit with injuries in the last few months. However, she has still managed to clinch one title this year, and apart from that, the American has also reached three SFs and one QF. Even in this tournament she has looked quite sharp and hasn’t dropped a set. She defeated Peyton Stearns in the QF by 6-4, 7-5 and hit 7 aces in that match. Will her aces yet again give her an edge in winning the race in the semis?

We’ll get the answer in a while! Shnaider’s has shown a stellar performance this season as the youngster has won four titles so far. She has also reached one final and one QF this year. This might well give her a bit of confidence for the rest of the tournaments this season. Although she took three sets to win three out of her four matches in this tournament, her resilience is commendable.

Beating Coco Gauff in two sets in the R16 was by far her best performance this year. She won 81% of her first serve in that match. Shnaider beat Liudmila Samsonova by 4-6,6-1,6-4 in the QF. Have these two played against each other before?

Pegula vs Shnaider: Head-to-Head

No, this will be the first time that Pegula will be facing Shnaider. So, currently, their H2H is 0-0. This is surely Shnaider’s breakout season and surely she has impressed us all with her performance in this tournament. Is it enough though to beat the defending champion in the semis?

Prediction: Pegula to win in three sets

No, perhaps that will not be enough to topple someone who knows this surface better than most. JP is an experienced campaigner and she has played multiple such do-or-die matches in her career. So, handling the pressure won’t be a big thing for Pegula. On the other hand, Shnaider may well crumble a bit in this match due to lack of experience. However, do not forget she recently secured her first Top 10 victory against Gauff. She needs to take a similar approach right from the start of the match, to stand a chance against the defending champ.

Shnaider generally tends to play a fearless brand of tennis. Her biggest weapon is her incredible serving abilities and her slashing forehands. Her attacking style of play may force Pegula to stay on the back foot. She is currently ranked 24th in the world and even here Pegula (6) is way ahead of her.

JP has an all-around game style. She loves hitting flat groundstrokes. Power and precision are the two key factors that have brought success to her games. She can also utilize her wide wingspans to full effect. Her favorite shot is the backhand-down-the-line and this shot may well put Shnaider into some real trouble in this match.

Apart from that we often see how the 30-year-old star is always spot on with her tactics against her opponents. She loves to read the game of her opponents right from toe-to-head before the matches and this is what makes her such a special player on the Tour. Looking at her pedigree and accomplishments, it’s JP all the way. Without a second thought!