Nice win for the 19-year-old 👏 Diana Shnaider defeats Venus Williams in her tournament debut, setting up a R2 encounter against Madison Keys #MiamiOpen
Venus Williams winless still in 2024 comeback as impressive Diana Shnaider eases through at Miami Open
WTATuesday, 19 March 2024 at 21:11
Venus Williams was playing in a record 22nd Miami Open, but her 2024 remains winless with the three-time champion losing in one hour and 19 minutes 6-3, 6-3 against rising 19-year-old Diana Shnaider.
Williams is the oldest player in the main draw at 43 and remains winless in 2024 after also being defeated in her opener at Indian Wells. This brings up the ever increasing debate about wildcards for the legendary American which has been raised many a time in recent weeks.
Shnaider always had the edge coming into this contest having won a maiden WTA Tour title last month and reaching the Charleston WTA 125 final last week. Williams made her work hard for the win with some vintage ball-striking and also leading during the second set by a break showing there is still something there in the tank.
But she played her best tennis at the start of both sets and tailed off. Having gone a break down in the first, she won three games on the bounce to lead 3-2. She responded at the start of the second again to lead 3-1. But Shnaider found her quality to overawe the experience. She had 22 winners to 15 from Williams and only had 14 unforced errors to 24 from Williams. Six double faults also didn't help Venus Williams charge. The Russian will now play Madison Keys.
Where Venus Williams goes next is an interesting one in whether she waits for the grass court season like usual or attempts to play on the clay or calls it a day from the sport. The wildcard debate will continue to roll on though and Shnaider rolls on in Miami.
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