Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Australian Open match.
Diana Shnaider has already reached her career-best third round at the Australian Open, but as the tournament's 12th seed, she's surely aiming for at least the round of 16. However, standing in her way is Donna Vekić, who is seeded only slightly lower, at 18th.
Diana Shnaider
The Russian won both her matches with determination, first overcoming Elisabetta Cocciaretto (7:6, 6:4), and then defeating Ajla Tomljanović (WC) (6:4, 7:5). Undoubtedly, the second-round performance was influenced not only by the opponent's status—having reached the Grand Slam quarter-finals three times—but also by the nearly hour and a half doubles match Diana played the day before.
Donna Vekić
Another Croatian native, Vekić is seeded much higher than Ajla Tomljanović. The 31-year-old spent 3 hours and 48 minutes and five sets on her first two rounds but has not played doubles. In the 1/64 finals, lucky loser Harriet Dart took over two hours from her. Only after the Croatian lost the first set (4:6) did she start playing more responsibly, eventually winning easily—6:0, 6:2.
Diana Shnaider vs Donna Vekić Prediction
It won't be easy against Shnaider, as you immediately realise just by watching the Russian play. She will overpower Vekić if she loses focus. Last summer, Diana defeated the Croatian on grass in Bad Homburg in three sets (6:3, 2:6, 6:3). There will again be a fierce battle, no matter how many sets it takes.
