SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Diana Shnaider only needed 71 minutes Tuesday night to show Canadian Carol Zhao why she’s considered one of the favourites to win the women’s singles title at the Hana Bank Korea Open.
The fourth-seeded Russian — ranked No. 16 in the world — defeated the 272nd-ranked Zhao of Richmond Hill, Ont., 6-3, 6-3 in the second round of the WTA 500 tournament.
Zhao had two aces in the match while Shnaider had none, but that was one of the lone highlights for the Canadian, who committed 12 double faults compared to one for her opponent.
Shnaider won 57 per cent of her break points, four return games, was good on 75 per cent of her first serves, saved four of five break points, and won eight service games and 24 receiving points.
The 29-year-old Zhao won one of five break points and only saved three of seven break points. She was good on 58 per cent of her first serves and won five service games and 15 receiving points.
Shnaider will play the winner of a match between former British No. 1 player Heather Watson and fifth-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the quarterfinals.