First Title of the Season for Shnaider, Crowned at WTA 500 Monterrey

Diana Shnaider is building confidence ahead of the US Open. The Russian, who had struggled to confirm her excellent 2024 season so far, won the WTA 500 Monterrey tournament after an all-Russian final against her compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova. Having dropped to 22nd in the world rankings, the 21-year-old Shnaider concluded a perfect week in Mexico.

After victories against Kamilla Rakhimova (7-6, 6-1), Elise Mertens (3-6, 7-6, 7-6 after saving five match points), and Alycia Parks (6-3, 7-6), Shnaider then dominated Alexandrova (6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in 2h14) to claim her 5th career title, the first this season. The young Russian player will head to the US Open with confidence and will face Laura Siegemund in the first round.

“Thank you to the crowd for coming throughout the week. The atmosphere was exceptional. It was a pleasure to play in such a place and to show some very good tennis. Thank you, Monterrey, and see you next year,” Shnaider said on court during the trophy ceremony.

On her part, Alexandrova fell in the final but can take comfort in knowing she will rise to 12th in the world rankings, her career-best, this Monday.