Diana Shnaider – Lefty. Fierce. Rising.

Hey friends!

Welcome to the Topspin Sisters’ The Weekly Spin! I’m so happy you’re here. This newsletter is all about bringing you some weekly highlights from the WTA world—because women’s tennis deserves more love!

This Week in Women’s Tennis

Last week, the WTA Tour took a short break and is now entering the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (April 14–21) and Madrid Open (April 22–May 4).

The Billie Jean King Cup is heating up, with qualifiers currently underway in various countries. A record 146 nations are competing this year—follow @billiejeankingcup for the latest action!

Weekly Tennis-Inspired Designs

I first heard about the trash can nachos from Emma Navarro’s Tennis Channel interview, where she talked about her Charleston favorites. I’ve never tried them before, but they instantly made my food list! Anyone else curious or already a fan?

With fewer matches this week, we’re taking the time to spotlight a rising star you need to know:

Player Spotlight: Diana Shnaider

At just 21 years old, Diana Shnaider has quickly made a name for herself in the WTA world. She ended 2024 ranked World No. 12 and is already turning heads in 2025.

4 WTA titles in 2024 — tying the World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and just one behind Iga Swiatek, the World No. 2.
The only WTA player to win hard, clay, and grass titles in 2024.
Known for her signature bandana look, a style born out of necessity.

“I couldn’t wear a hat because it was hard to see the ball when I tossed it, but the bandana was how my parents helped protect me from the sun.” – Charleston, 2023

Her Tennis Journey

Born in Zhigulevsk, Russia, Diana started tennis at 4 but committed seriously at 8. She also did figure skating, dance, and boxes on the side when she was young.
Moved to the U.S. at 18 to play for North Carolina State University.
Played one year of college tennis and decided to turn pro in 2023.

Playing Style

Powerful left-handed forehand
Not just a baseline player, but also confident at coming to the net
Versatile game across hard, clay, and grass courts

Doubles Power & Olympic Podium

Won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics (2024) in women’s doubles with Mirra Andreeva.
In 2025, the duo claimed the WTA 500 Brisbane and WTA 1000 Miami doubles titles together.
Her double ranking is the World No. 12
Even under pressure, she stays calm and composed.

Humble and Grounded

Through her interviews and Instagram, Diana radiates a grounded, relaxed energy. She often credits her family (parents and younger brother) and expresses appreciation for their support in her growth, consistently highlighting the importance of gratitude.

Teaming Up with Dinara Safina

In an exciting move, Diana has announced her partnership with former World No. 1 Dinara Safina as her coach. Safina, a Grand Slam finalist and Olympic medalist (she won silver women's single at the 2008 Beijing Olympics), is considered one of the best clay-court players of her era. This partnership could be key to leveling up Diana’s mindset and clay-court performance heading into the clay season.

Diana says it best:

“I feel like to get to the Grand Slams and No.1, my main goal is to find my own game—one that I'm confident in on each surface and enjoy playing.”

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Diana this clay season! That’s it for this week’s Weekly Spin. See you next week with full coverage from the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix—let the clay season begin!

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