Keys vs Shnaider Brisbane Prediction 1/8/2026 Today’s Tennis Picks

Australian Open champion Madison Keys faces World No. 21 Diana Shnaider in the round of 16 of the 2026 Brisbane International. The match is scheduled for Thursday, January 8. Here’s our Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider prediction. This preview will also include a Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider pick.

Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider Preview

Madison Keys is playing in Brisbane for the first time since 2020, the year she made the final of this tournament. Keys will look to reach the championship match this weekend, with plenty of points to defend later this month as she puts two title defenses on the line in the coming weeks. The American was triumphant in her first match back in Brisbane, beating compatriot McCartney Kessler in straight sets.

Their match took 19 games to decide. Keys prevailed 6-4, 6-3 in an hour and 27 minutes. In the victory, Keys hit 2 aces and 3 double faults. She landed 69% of first serves in play and won 71% of first serve points (30/42). Keys won 63% of second serve points (12/19) and saved five of six break points. 

Diana Shnaider won her first match of the week, beating the new Austrian national Anastasia Potapova in straight sets. After two long games in the opening set, Shnaider quickly established clear daylight in the score. She broke Potapova for a 2-1 lead and then secured a second break to lead 4-1. The Russian finished the set, winning two more games to wrap up the set 6-1.

Shnaider made a slow start in the second set as she was broken in the opening game. But Potapova’s serve was hardly free flowing and Shnaider broke her back twice to turn the set around and win it 6-3. Shnaider hit 4 aces and 5 double faults. She landed 69% of first serves in play and won 80% of first serve points (32/40). Shnaider won 33% of second serve points (6/18) and saved six of seven break points. This is officially Shnaider’s best run in Brisbane as she bids to reach the quarterfinal for the first time.

Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider Head-To-Head

Keys leads Shnaider 2-0 in the head-to-head, winning their first match at the 2024 Miami Open in straight sets. Shnaider took a set when they last played at Queen’s last season, but Keys still prevailed.

Madison Keys vs Diana Shnaider Prediction

Shnaider will test Keys here and although I’m not calling an upset outright, I think it will be nip and tuck. That makes the Shnaider +2.5 games handicap and a very suitable market. Shnaider’s power and lefty angles can drag Keys into uncomfortable positions and force extra balls in most rallies.

Nur Said's Pick: Shnaider games handicap +2.5