Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina Prediction 1/23/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Diana Shnaider and Elina Svitolina clash in the third round of the 2026 Australian Open on Friday, January 23. Here’s our Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina prediction. This preview will also include a Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina pick.

Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina Preview

Diana Shnaider has won each of her two matches this week in three sets. In the first round, she knocked out two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in one of the toughest openers for a seeded player. Shnaider withstood 44 winners from the Czech’s racket to complete the comeback victory in two hours and 13 minutes.

The Russian then saw off Australia’s Talia Gibson 3-6, 7-5, 6-3. Shnaider was on the brink of exiting the tournament, but she saved three match points for 5-all on her serve. She broke in the next game before holding to level the set. Shnaider dominated the final set as she had all the momentum and prevailed, hitting 24 winners in total and winning 46% of return points in the match. Shnaider has equaled her best run at the Australian Open (reached the third round last year).

Elina Svitolina extended her undefeated start to the season with two polished performances. The Ukrainian No. 1 beat Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-4, 6-1 in the first round, in just 60 minutes, recording 17 winners and only facing two break points in the whole match.

Svitolina knocked out Linda Klimovicova in the second round in a match that took 19 games to decide. A tight opening set saw Svitolina secure the decisive break in the 12th game to win it 7-5. Svitolina broke serve twice in the second set, which was one-sided. Svitolina tallied 28 winners and 24 unforced errors in the victory. She won 77% of first serve points (30/39) and saved five of six break points. Svitolina is a three-time quarterfinalist at the Australian Open, last achieving this feat 12 months ago.

Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina Head-To-Head

Shnaider and Svitolina have never played before, so this will be their first career meeting.

Diana Shnaider vs Elina Svitolina Prediction

Svitolina starts as the favorite as she is unbeaten in seven matches to start the new season and has produced two near-immaculate performances. But Shnaider could well bring that disruptive element this matchup needs and she’s unafraid to take risks. In a couple of very close matches, the Russian’s bold shotmaking has shone and if she can replicate that before Svitolina’s defensive patterns fully lock in, she’s got a shot at making the last 16.

Nur Said's Pick: Diana Shnaider in three sets