Tokyo 2024: Zheng Qinwen vs Diana Shnaider preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick | Toray Pan Pacific Open

Match Details

Fixture: (1) Zheng Qinwen vs (6) Diana Shnaider

Date: 26 October, 2024

Tournament: Toray Pan Pacific Open 2024

Round: Semi-final

Venue: Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan

Category: WTA 500

Surface: Hardcourt (Outdoor)

Winner's Prize Money: $922,573

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - DAZN

Zheng Qinwen vs Diana Shnaider preview

Zheng Qinwen at the 2024 Toray Pan Pacific Open (Picture: Getty)

Top-seed Zheng Qinwen will face sixth-seed Diana Shnaider in a highly anticipated semifinal showdown at the 2024 Toray Pan Pacific Open on Saturday, October 25.

Zheng has enjoyed a strong run since her US Open quarterfinal appearance but is still seeking a title. She advanced to the semifinals at the China Open and made her first WTA 1000 final in Wuhan, though she fell short both times, losing to Karolina Muchova and Aryna Sabalenka, respectively.

In Tokyo this week, Zheng kicked off her campaign with a decisive 7-5, 6-0 win over home favorite Moyuka Uchijima after a first-round bye. She faced Leylah Fernandez in the quarterfinals and dominated the first set, winning it without losing a single game. Despite a strong second-set comeback from Fernandez, Zheng sealed a 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 win courtesy of a decisive third-set performance.

Shnaider, in the midst of a breakout season, has recently faced challenges finding her form. Since a semifinal run in Seoul, she's struggled with early exits in Beijing, Wuhan, and Ningbo.

Shnaider opened her campaign at the Toray Pan Pacific Open this week with a routine 6-2, 6-2 win over Viktoriya Tomova and was set to play local qualifier Sayaka Ishii next. However, Ishii’s withdrawal due to injury ahead of their clash granted Shnaider a direct path to the semifinals.

Zheng Qinwen vs Diana Shnaider head-to-head

Zheng Qinwen and Diana Shnaider have yet to face off in professional competition so their head-to-head stands at 0-0.

Zheng Qinwen vs Diana Shnaider odds

Player	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total Games
Zheng Qinwen
Diana Shnaider

(Odds to be added once available)

Zheng Qinwen vs Diana Shnaider prediction

Toray Pan Pacific Open - Day 3 - Source: Getty

Zheng Qinwen enters the semifinal against Diana Shnaider in strong form, despite being pushed to three sets in her previous encounter. Her powerful serve and imposing baseline presence have been instrumental this week, as she has controlled shorter rallies and the points when going forward to the net.

Shnaider, in contrast, has struggled on tour over the past month, with most of her success this year coming on clay and grass courts earlier in the season. She has looked in good knick this week, however, and will be eager to keep the winning momentum going.

Zheng holds a 39-16 season record heading into this clash, while Shnaider stands at 49-21. Zheng though has been more successful on hardcourts. The slower court in Tokyo could favor Zheng’s versatile game, with her impressive court coverage and defensive abilities likely to be crucial.

In better form coming into the tournament, Zheng appears well-prepared to capitalize on Shnaider’s recent struggles with consistency and fatigue after a long season. As both players seek their first Pan Pacific Open title, this promises to be a captivating contest of Zheng’s momentum against Shnaider’s tenacity.

Pick: Zheng to win in three sets.